A MAN'S romantic dream has come true, after he was given grants to preserve a castle bought as a wedding present for his wife.

When Niall Hardie-Hammond was looking for a gift for his bride-to-be, Caroline, last year, he came across Scargill Castle, near Barnard Castle, County Durham.

But his interest was not in playing lord of the manor. Because both he and Caroline are archaeologists, their aim is to preserve an historic gem.

The work was destined to become a labour of love - the castle was derelict and in need of a lot of money to make it safe.

Niall, who works for Durham County Council, and Caroline, who works for Northumberland County Council, began applying for grants in a bid to prevent the 600-year-old castle from deteriorating further.

English Heritage was able to help with a grant of £47,000, because the castle is a listed building on the buildings at risk register.

Further funds were made available from European and other sources, and it has meant that the castle is now weatherproof.

Niall and Caroline are pleased that they have secured its future, and it may even be opened to the public, from time to time.

"I thought Caroline might have thought it was a stupid wedding present, but she really liked it," said Mr Hardie-Hammond.

"There is a lot of history associated with the castle. It used to house a family employed by Henry II to build nearby Bowes castle, and Edward II is said to have stayed there when he was on his way to fight the Scots.

"It is not impossible that we may move into it, but it has always been our intention to preserve it."

Peter de Lange, English Heritage's North-East assistant regional director, said: "If Niall hadn't come along, then Scargill Castle would just continue to deteriorate.

"It has been a building at risk since the first list was published in 1998, and now it has a caring owner it is likely to be removed from the list later this year.