A VANDALISED ancient castle could be in line for a new lease of life as a holiday home.

The plan for the 12th Century Whorlton Castle, which has been approved by the North York Moors National Park Authority, was one of several options put forward by archaeologist Graham Lee, who said the structure has been the target of anti-social behaviour and vandalism for a decade.

"Previous attempts to secure the site from vandals have all failed," he said.

New security measures at the castle were breached soon after they were set up three years ago.

"There is a general consensus that the only way to find a long-term solution to stop the vandalism and damage to the castle is to have a human presence on the site."

Vandalism is not new to the castle. In 1875, a large amount of its stonework was robbed to build the nearby village church at Swainby.

Potential future uses for the castle include making its gatehouse into a holiday home, a private house, repairing the ruins to preserve the site as a tourist attraction or to have the castle put in the care of the community.

A feasibility study looking at the options is to be carried out, part-funded by English Heritage.