Repair work has begun on crumbling buildings at a deserted medieval County Durham village.
Conservation work on the three structures at the abandoned village of Barforth, near Darlington, is likely to take several months.
Natural England will fund the project which will preserve a historical bridge, a 12th Century chapel and a medieval dovecote.
The buildings are the only remaining evidence of the settlement.
Tom Gledhill, Natural England’s historic environment advisor for the North East, said: “The remains of the village of Barforth provide a rare insight into the medieval history of a Durham rural community.”
Later this month members of the public will have chance to see the work in progress and learn about some of the ancient techniques being used to conserve the historical buildings, such as the use of lime mortar.
Mr Gledhill added: “The heritage skills event will be a great opportunity for people interested in learning about traditional conservation techniques to meet the restoration experts and see them at work.”
Source: BBC News
