A BID for £3.7million in lottery funding has been launched as heritage groups attempt to establish Lytham Hall as a major tourist attraction.

The Lytham Town Trust and the Heritage Trust for the North West posted their heritage lottery application on Friday -- but it could be two years before any funding is forthcoming.

The money is intended to help meet the £4.75m cost of refurbishing the hall and outbuildings and acquiring the collection of paintings and furniture which are still owned by insurance giants AXA. The remaining £1 million will have to be raised separately by the two trusts, who are already working with other local bodies.

Fylde Borough Council has already donated £75,000 towards the acquisition of the pictures.

The council's leader, Cllr John Coombes: "I am delighted to hear about the positive steps being taken to establish the hall as a major tourist attraction and congratulate everyone on what has been achieved so far."

Two grants have also been received from the Lancashire Tourism Partnership, while the Lancashire Environmental Fund and Lancashire County Council are also supporting a country park in the grounds of the hall.

Meanwhile, the hall's west wing is being converted to provide facilities for conference and restaurant facilities, while work is starting on a country park.

A grand opening is expected to take place, though the hall is already available for tours and visits, wedding ceremonies, receptions and conferences.

Liz Guffogg, chairman of the Friends of Lytham Hall, added: "The west wing will be a very popular amenity and will improve the hall's facilities enormously."