A major £10m restoration plan for Cardigan Castle, west Wales, is set to get underway after it was announced that £4.5m had been provided by the Welsh Assembly Government.

The Cadwgan Trust is leading efforts to revitalise the historic property and has now secured £4.3m from the European Regional Development Fund.

Meanwhile, more than £460,000 has been contributed by the Welsh Assembly Government through its historic environment agency, Cadw, to make up the remainder of the investment.

Work will now be carried out to conserve the castle walls and restore buildings and gardens at the site, which was a former stronghold of the Lord Rhys and the Princes of Deheubarth.

A multi-use facility for community and recreational use will also be created as part of plans for Cardigan Castle, which will help support Welsh language and cultural learning.

Welsh housing, regeneration and heritage minister Huw Lewis said: "Conserving this rich, historic environment will create an attraction that will encourage more visitors, boost tourism and provide opportunities for the local community."

Funding has also been provided by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Ceredigion County Council and Cardigan Town Council. The Prince's Regeneration Trust has given guidance.