A YEAR of setbacks for one of the region's most impressive medieval castles has not stopped it turning a new page in its prestigious history.

Raby Castle, near Staindrop, County Durham, has endured a difficult time since the outbreak of foot-and-mouth, which has forced the historic attraction to remain closed for much of the year.

The castle, which is the ancestral home of Lord Barnard, faced further misery when it was announced last week that an open-air concert had been cancelled.

Thousands of people were expected to flock to the castle for the Last Night of the Proms event, but a decision by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spelt more financial misery for the attraction.

However, despite a difficult year, the castle is now open and hoping to woo the public with the release of a new glossy brochure.

Catherine Turnbull, Raby Estate's marketing manager, said: "This brochure is of the highest quality and is by far the best one we have produced to date.

"We hope visitors to the castle will take the chance of picking one up and taking it home to remind them of their visit to Raby."

The 48-page colour brochure gives readers a comprehensive history of the castle and the Lords of Raby.

It also includes pictures and information on some of the castle's most treasured antiques and prized art.

Priced at £4, the brochure has already been snapped up by visitors, with many orders coming before the brochure was even on sale.

Miss Turnbull added: "We have sent them out as far as the US, and people can also buy them through our website, at www.rabycastle.com"

For further details about the brochure, contact the castle on (01833) 660202.