A closure-threatened 18th century stately home has received a lifeline in its last-ditch bid for survival.
Letton Hall, near Shipdham, is on the brink of closure, needing to raise £30,000 by the end of next month to stay open.
But there's hope for the hall, as the trust which owns the Grade II* listed Georgian building says it has managed to raise £20,000 in just two weeks after this paper revealed it could be forced to sell the property.
The Letton Hall Trust, which is a Christian charity, said this is due to operating costs, which have risen steeply since the pandemic.
The hall has been hosting residential and school groups, as well as conferences, for more than three decades.
Jon Horrox, the centre manager, said: "We’ve raised around £20,000, so we're two thirds of the way there.
"Things are looking brighter as a lot of people have given directly to us - but we’re not out of the woods yet.
"£30,000 is what we need by the end of May to get us through this difficult patch and really know that we’re safe. Then we’re into some better bookings and we should be ok until the end of the year.
"We’re still not making money hand over fist by any means, but we will be safe and it will bide us time to do something different so long-term we’re much more secure."
READ MORE: Village's post office on the brink of being saved...but it could cost couple £20,000
Letton Hall has been run by the trustees since 1979.
Built by renowned architect Sir John Soane between 1783 and 1789, it was once the home of the Gurdon family.
Now, its 130 beds across the main hall and stables mainly host residential and school groups.
Mr Horrox added: "This place has got a long history and we know we’ve got groups coming this summer who have been coming for years.
"They would be devastated if they couldn't keep coming."
READ MORE: Popular walking route could be closed because of 'irresponsible' dog owners
To donate to save Letton Hall, visit the Jon Horrox Letton Hall Trust Just Giving page.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here