BROMSGROVE MP and Culture Secretary Sajid Javid visited a stately home to see the work of Hartlebury Castle Preservation Trust.

The Minister toured the castle and met trust members earlier this month following an invitation from Droitwich MP, Sir Peter Luff.

It comes after the Heritage Lottery Fund awarded a £5 million grant to secure the future of Hartlebury Castle and Museum.

Mr Javid, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said: "I very much enjoyed my visit to Hartlebury Castle and Museum and it was a pleasure meeting the incredibly dedicated and knowledgeable team.

"I am delighted that Hartlebury Castle's future has been secured with the help of the Heritage Lottery Fund."

The castle houses the county museum and the Hurd Library, a collection of 5,000 volumes ranging in date from 1476 to the early 19th Century - including more than 40 volumes from the library of Alexander Pope.

Alison Brimelow, vice-president of the Hartlebury Castle Preservation Trust, said: "The Hartlebury Castle Preservation Trust is delighted to welcome the Culture Secretary and Sir Peter Luff to Hartlebury.

"Our grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund has secured the future of Hartlebury Castle, and the visit of the Culture Secretary illustrates the importance of the Castle to Worcestershire’s heritage.”

Councillor Adrian Hardman, leader of Worcestershire County Council, said: "It's pleasing to welcome the Culture Secretary to Hartlebury to enjoy the excellent museum collections, the Bishops Palace and the magnificent Hurd Library.

"We are working in partnership with the Hartlebury Castle Preservation Trust to promote and protect local heritage, contribute to the county's visitor economy and create a premier visitor destination for World Class Worcestershire.

"The partnership is a great example of 'Act Local' doing just that and is a demonstration of the new ways of working that we are embracing."