A £100,000 project to revamp Cogges Manor Farm, build play areas and a wedding venue has been approved.

West Oxfordshire District Council granted planning permission for the project to go ahead at the Witney tourist attraction on Monday.

Work will begin in February and should be finished around the time Cogges reopens for the summer season on March 23.

The project has been backed by English Heritage and funded by councils, local businesses and the Witney Educational Fund.

Cogges director Colin Shone said: “I am delighted it has been passed through. It represents the support we need to make Cogges work over the coming years.”

He added: “It is really important that Cogges is enjoyed by all. This will ensure there is something going on at Cogges that will appeal to lots of different generations, that brings the site alive and makes it a current and exciting place.”

An archaeologist will be on site during the work to make sure any unearthed finds are protected and preserved.

The project will see the courtyard area at the entrance resurfaced and old play equipment replaced.

New play equipment modelled on a 12th century manor house will then be constructed and new trails installed on two islands surrounded by a moat.

The work will also see a wheat barn resurfaced so it can be transformed into a wedding and events venue to create a regular generator of income.