Work has officially begun on the £2million Lord Leycester restoration project.

Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project will see the building transformed into a modern, authentic visitor attraction.

The grant, awarded last November, will also see a new gift shop cafe and ticket office built in the Grade I and Grade II listed buildings.

The Lord Leycester Hospital was founded by Robert Dudley, a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I, and built for housing former servicemen which it does to this day.

The building celebrated its 450th anniversary at the end of last year and is expected to open to the public in summer 2023.

A statement from the Lord Leycester Hospital said: "We're delighted to announce work has now officially begun on the Lord Leycester restoration project.

"The National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded almost £2 million for this exciting, 'once in a century' improvement project.

"The grant will be used to transform the Lord Leycester into a modern, authentic visitor attraction, featuring stories of the heritage buildings, and its residents past and present.

"Plans also include exciting new historical interpretations throughout the buildings, gardens and online, plus a new gift shop, cafe & ticket office.

"We are deeply grateful to the National Lottery Heritage fund, our major funders and the local community for all their support, without whom this wouldn't have been possible.

"We look forward to keeping you informed with our progress over the next 12 months and welcoming you to our grand opening in summer 2023."