ONE of the most prominent pieces of conservation work to have been undertaken at Croome Court has been given a boost thanks to a £60,000 legacy donation.

The restoration of one side of the north steps that lead up to the main entrance of the house at Croome, near Upton, has been completed thanks to cash from the Wolfson Foundation.

The original 18th century stone balustrade and piers were taken down in the 20th century and were replaced in the 1980s by artificial cast stone. That has since failed.

Michael Smith, property manager, said: “We started work on one side of the steps in December 2010 but we knew the other side would take longer as we had to begin fund-raising for it at a later date. We are so grateful for the donation of £60,000.”