A CASTLE famous for helping launch the career of Beatrix Potter has been restored by a team of specialist roofers.

Wray Castle, in Cumbria, was visited by the children’s author in 1882 which began her love affair with the Lake District.

When her parents holidayed at the castle, Beatrix would draw pictures of the landscape which she made into greetings cards and then a book which she was encouraged to publish.

Hodgson Sayers, based in Stanley, County Durham, started work in September 2012 to replace the lead on the roof of the castle and the metal roof of its Grade II listed boathouse.

John Sayers, managing director, said: “This has been both a challenging and rewarding project. It was great to receive some really positive feedback from The National Trust and to see the roof of the castle restored back to its former glory.”

The work was commissioned by Historic Property Restoration Limited on behalf of the National Trust.

John Gibson, managing director at Historic Property Restoration Limited, said: “We have a long standing relationship with the business and know that they always deliver when it comes to quality.”