REPAIRS to the roof of a huge museum are proving less costly than expected - thanks to the skill of craftsmen who built it over a century ago.

When the lead was stripped away it was found that most of the timbers were still in perfect condition and will not have to be replaced at Bowes Museum at Barnard Castle, County Durham.

It means the first phase of repairs at the top of the famous treasure house, which opened in 1892, may now be completed below the 1.6m estimate.

Site manager Chris Foster pointed out the oak and Douglas fir planks and rafters, 120ft above ground level, and said: "We thought most would have to be taken out and replaced, but they are still in excellent shape.

"This points to the skill of the original builders. They must have taken time to choose the best mature timber for the job and then fit it expertly. A lot of modern timber is not of this high quality."

Any saving from this phase, which is halfway into its 12 month term, will be passed on to repairs on the rest of the roof, which have been estimated at 2 million.

The museum was built by John Bowes, an ancestor of the Queen Mother, who supported it and visited it regularly in her latter years. It has many millions of pounds worth of art, porcelain and tapestry masterpieces on show. But it was officially listed as "at risk" by English Heritage because of its leaking roof.

Mr Foster, who has worked on churches and stately homes, said the upper stonework was also better than expected, with only one section of a chimney having to be replaced.

Matt Leng, head of business operations at the museum, said the saving of money was excellent news, as they needed all they could find to ensure that further repairs could be carried out to the roof. A bid has been made to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Mr Leng added: "We can't say exactly how much has been saved so far. We have to be cautious in case some problem is uncovered later in this phase and is costly to put right."

A dozen men are currently working on the roof on behalf of William Aneleys of York.