THE Lancashire Tourism Partnership (LTP) has invested £112,500 to extend Burnley's Towneley Hall.

This contribution is to the £1.5million new wing to be built at the council owned Grade One listed country house.

The Anthony Goldstone, the chairman of the Lancashire Tourism Partnership, said: "The Towneley Hall is one of the jewels in Lancashire's historic crown and I am delighted that the Lancashire Partnership is one of the partners funding this major development.

"Upgrading this key heritage tourist attraction will increase the number of visitors -- for example it will allow an extra 70 school visits a year and it will also improve Burnley's image." The new wing is scheduled to be opened in the summer of 2002.

It will be built on the site of a demolished service wing, providing school rooms, library, shop, toilets and a lift and ramps to improve access to the mainly 18th century building.

Rooms which have been used as offices for years will be re-opened to the public and there will be new displays throughout the hall, including interactive computer displays and new education services.