Lincoln Castle is to undergo an extensive multi-million pound renovation after Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) confirmed it had received Lottery funding towards the scheme.

The project is expected to cost £19.9m and has been awarded a £12m grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund. European Union support is also being sought in addition to the Lottery support and LCC funding.

A new vault to showcase Magna Carta and the Charter of the Forest and the opening up of the Victorian male prison are among the improvements planned as part of the renovation.

The work is scheduled to be completed in time for the Magna Carta's 800th anniversary in 2015. It was also include repairs to the castle wall to create a complete "wall walk".

LCC leader Martin Hill said: "The project will make Lincoln Castle one of the country's top historic attractions, attracting thousands more visitors.

"It's estimated this could bring up to a 55 per cent increase in the overall value of tourism in Lincoln. That translates to a £68m boost for the local economy and around 1,100 jobs."

Details: www.lincolnshire.gov.uk