Cleaning lofty windows or chimneys at Eastnor Castle has never been easy.

Up to now, such maintenance work has often had to be carried out from the top of very long ladders - and only in settled weather conditions.

But this week, Ledbury-based specialist roped access contractors, WallWalkers, were at the Georgian stately home to make sure that such hair-raising escapades become part of the castle's colourful history.

WallWalkers spokesman Claire Card said that a new safety system of anchors and bolts had now been installed, to which ropes could be attached.

She explained: "Basic abseiling skills and a definite head for heights are required.

"However, following training of the estate's maintenance team work can now be carried safely at anytime and access to all external parts of the building will be possible.

"The traditional way of carrying out routine maintenance and cleaning on the outside of the castle had clearly been a hazardous job."