In pictures: First look at restored Rochdale Town Hall

A newly restored ceiling in one of the reception rooms

A Grade I listed town Hall has undergone a multi-million pound restoration.

Rochdale Town Hall closed in 2020 to allow the work to take place and is due to reopen in March.

The council said the project would bring rooms into use which were previously hidden from public view.

The restoration would also allow the hall to operate as a tourist attraction for the first time in its 153-year history.

Stained glass around the grand staircase and the great hall has also been cleaned.

The newly-restored Bright Hall was formerly a council office and will now be used by the public

Intricate paintwork along the walls and historic wooden panelling has been restored by volunteers

About 350 ceiling panels have been restored in the great hall

A new permanent exhibition has been created in the space on the ground that was previously used for council meetings

Delicate painted surfaces have been cleaned with cotton buds