'Buy a brick' scheme to help restore historic site

The restoration work was expected to cost about £1.2m

A council in Surrey is asking people to sponsor a brick to help restore a historic Grade I-listed building.

The initiative from Waverley Borough Council (WBC) is to help renovate Willmer House, which is home to the Museum of Farnham.

WBC said: "By helping us restore Willmer House, you're saving a piece of history that people can enjoy for future generations."

The sponsorship packages start at £50, and include a certificate and a name on a plaque, while the most expensive is £1,000 and involves a secret engraving on one of 24 bricks and an invitation to the reopening.

WBC explained: "Gauged brickwork is one of the most expensive building methods used and can often be seen on the finest buildings around the world.

"We need additional funds to ensure that the work carried out by the team of highly-experienced specialists can be completed."

Scaffolding went up on the site in January and the restoration works began to preserve the building, which dates from 1718.

The council received funding from The National Heritage Fund and others, while also contributing financially itself towards the works - which were expected to cost about £1.2m.