A GRANT of £85,000 has been given to Dyrham Park by the Heritage Lottery Fund to help fund new exhibitions and activities while the mansion undergoes major repairs.

The £3.5 million project involves replacing the roof of the National Trust house and installing an energy efficient biomass boiler.

Work is due to start in March, 2015, but it is planned to keep the visitor attraction open to the public seven days a week from March to December.

The total cost of the scheme has included money to pay for a full programme of events during the year and the lottery money will go towards those activities.

There will even be a scaffold tower erected, with a lift and walkway around the roof, so people can see the vital conservation repairs going on, as well as enjoy the views.

Other new features will include new maps, signs, leaflets and talks, together with an exhibition explaining the history of Dyrham from 1692 to the present day.

Visitors will also have the chance to see some of the house's historic collections while they are in storage, while new walks will be created in the park.

The repair work, which should finish in mid-2016, is vital to safeguard the future of the 17th century mansion house ,

The roof is more than 200 years old and no longer protects the building's rooms and collections from the elements.

Expansion and contraction of the lead over tats time has caused more than 90 per cent of the joints to leak.

The National Trust is funding the main portion of the scheme but Dyrham itself has to raise £500,000 towards the work.

Spokeswoman Laura Williams said the fund raising was going well, with various money spinning ideas taken up, but the grant was a welcome addition.

She said: "We're delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given jus this grant. We've got lots of exciting plans for visitors while the roof is being replaced abnd are looking forward to sharing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with people."

Nerys Watts, the lottery fund's head in the South West, said: "Dyrham Park is one of the region's most magnificent and well-loved properties so we are delighted to be able to play a part in keeping it open while essential repairs are carried out to ensure it can be preserved for future generations.

"The new interpretation, exhibitions and activities will help local people and visitors alike to better understand the fascinating story of this wonderful place.”