AN historic Lye wedding venue received the Royal seal of approval when the Duke of Gloucester stopped off to unveil a plaque recognising the building's sensitive restoration.

The Duke visited the Thomas Robinson building, formerly Lye and Wollescote Cemetery Chapels, last Tuesday (October 29) to unveil a plaque given on behalf of the West Midlands region of The Victorian Society after they selected the building as worthy of receiving one of their conservation awards.

The award recognises the substantial work carried out to restore the building to its former glory.

Councillor David Stanley, the Mayor of Dudley, who attended the Royal visit along with Nick Venning - Deputy Lieutenant for West Midlands, said: "It was a real honour to welcome The Duke of Gloucester and the Deputy Lieutenant to the refurbished Thomas Robinson Building.

"The team has done a remarkable job restoring this building and conserving its heritage for the future. I was extremely proud to be able to show The Duke everything we have achieved and hope that the Thomas Robinson Building will continue to be used and loved by the people of the borough for years to come."

Stephen Hartland, chairman, The Victorian Society, Birmingham and West Midlands, said: "I am delighted the society’s Patron, HRH The Duke of Gloucester, was able to come and unveil the society’s latest award in the West Midlands and also meet with our volunteers, who help make the society a vibrant force and who work to champion Victorian & Edwardian buildings across the region.

"Our conservation award, which is made annually, seeks to recognise the best work carried out to Victorian and Edwardian buildings in the West Midlands and this is one of the many ways of championing conservation of these cherished buildings and important heritage assets."

Built in 1879, the Grade II listed building comprises two Victorian Gothic-style chapels, which now house the Dudley Council-run registration office and wedding venue where more than 300 couples have tied the knot since the restoration.

West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust, which owns the building, secured money from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the refurbishment along with support from the council’s design and delivery team and registration services.