Castle that drew Beatrix revived

A CASTLE that played a huge role in sparking Beatrix Potter's love of the Lake District is now being restored to its former glory.

- Chris Riches

The children's author stayed at Wray Castle on the west shore of Windermere during a family holiday as a teenager in 1882.

Two decades later, aged 35, she wrote her first children's book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit.

It was published commercially in 1902 and became a huge success.

Within three years she was able to buy Hill Top Farm overlooking Windermere where she wrote many of the tales that have entertained generations of young readers ever since.