FOLLOWING a huge flooding clear-up operation, the historic building of Coughton Court is set to re-open today after being closed for seven weeks.

The National Trust was forced to close the stately home after parts of the 15th century Tudor house and gardens, near Alcester, were swamped by floodwater from the Cain Brook and the River Arrow following torrential downpours in mid-July.

Since then, National Trust and Throckmorton Estate staff have been working in partnership drying out rooms, monitoring humidity levels and starting restoration work in the gardens.

The enforced closure has led to the estimated loss of about 20,000 visitors and seven events due to take place throughout August and September had to be cancelled.

Parts of the gardens, including the riverside walk, were devastated and consequently, some areas will take much longer to reinstate.

Access to the walled garden, which is cared for by the Throckmorton family, is open to visitors but large areas of the gardens remain closed.

In the house, timed tickets will be in operation on a first-come, first-served entry.

All the rooms on the visitor route will be open although the saloon and clothing exhibition will be closed.

Tickets will be offered at a reduced rate and there will be no additional charge for National Trust members to the walled garden but disabled access to the property will be limited.

Events are back on track with lecture lunches, a detective object trail and Halloween weekend activities being held in October.

Local businesses provided gratefully received help in the big clean-up, with contractors Arden Construction and Elite Building offering equipment and Munters providing the National Trust with de-humidifiers to help dry out rooms.