COLCHESTER’S revamped castle is drawing record crowds.

The Norman castle re-opened in May after being closed for 14 months for a £4.3million refurbishment.

Since May, the Grade I listed building has attracted 50,000 visitors and is well on course to top 100,000 by the end of the year.

Figures for the end of August show the castle has made £275,000 in visitor gate fees, as well as £44,000 in retail income.

Bill Seaman, Museums Managers at Colchester Council, said: “We are breaking all records we previously had in terms of performance.

“We are set to hit 100,000 for the year, compared to 80,000 in the last recorded year, which is a real testament to the work which has been carried out.”

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