EIGHT bedrooms damaged in the devastating blaze at Peckforton Castle have been restored.

The luxury wedding venue, near Tarporley, reopened the rooms for use on August 13.

The bedrooms, known internally as the 500s and 600s, suffered water and smoke damage following an arson attack on the Castle in the early hours of June 19.

The fire ripped through the east wing of the castle, damaging a number of bedrooms and one of the main function rooms which hosts about 180 weddings a year as well as conferences and private functions.

The reopening of the bedrooms to the public marks the completion of the first stage of rebuilding work, with the main stage of restoration work starting this week.

Managing director Chris Naylor said: “The bedrooms look great. We are now looking forward to seeing the rest of the work get going – and get finished.”

It is estimated that the hotel will be fully restored by February.