STAFF, volunteers and visitors are celebrating the news that Tyntesfield, Wraxall's unique Victorian gothic mansion, has received a £20million grant. The Heritage Lottery Fund set aside the money last Spring, but the cash was subject to trustees approving

STAFF, volunteers and visitors are celebrating the news that Tyntesfield, Wraxall's unique Victorian gothic mansion, has received a £20million grant.The Heritage Lottery Fund set aside the money last Spring, but the cash was subject to trustees approving a detailed application and project plan submitted by the National Trust, which owns the estate.After a nail-biting wait of more than a year, the charity has just announced that the funding has been confirmed.And as a result, work can now begin in earnest to open up new room and areas of the property and carry out vital conservation projects, including:* The conversion of the sawmill into a learning centre and the gardener's house into long-term student accommodation* Conservation surveys of the house contents* Restoration of the gazebos and aviary* A three-year roof restoration project* Building and conservation work to support the bat populations in the mansion* Further development of plans for the visitor reception buildingsFiona Reynolds, director general of the National Trust, said: "This is a fantastic day for all the people who have helped to save Tyntesfield. Many thousands of people have contributed generously to the project and many thousands more have come to view the property and hear the trust's plans to develop Tyntesfield as a centre for conservation in action, where public access, learning and restoration work go hand in hand."Now we can really make the vision for Tyntesfield a reality."Carole Souter, director of the Heritage Lottery Fund, said: "This is great news."Tyntesfield is one of the country's most spectacular Victorian treasures."With the Heritage Lottery Fund's full support, the National Trust will now be able to continue its vision for the property, which includes truly innovative educational and conservation work.