ILKLEY'S most famous son Alan Titchmarsh has been appointed as patron of the newly formed Ilkley Manor House Trust and will be celebrating with a visit to the historic building on April 5.

The announcement comes as the Trust prepares to sign the necessary papers with Bradford Council to transfer the architectural gem back into local ownership.

Percy Dalton bequeathed the Manor House and cottages to Ilkley Urban District Council in 1959. It was later transferred to Bradford Council, and was open to the public as the Manor House Museum and Art Gallery – housing local artefacts dating back centuries – until closed due to council cutbacks in 2015.

Chairman of the Trust Sir Rodney Brooke, said: “Once more the building will be able to be used by the local community and visitors to the town.

“We plan to open up the building progressively. We will seek money from the Heritage Lottery Fund and other sources to enable us to create a heritage trail which will be a major tourist attraction. It will also be a great educational resource for local children. The Manor House is remarkable - going back to the 14th century - and it sits on top of an ancient monument, the Roman Fort.”

He added: "We were delighted when Mr Titchmarsh agreed to become Patron of the Ilkley Manor House Trust. As Ilkley’s most famous son his support in helping develop the Manor House as a vibrant community space is very much appreciated.”

Dr Edward Impey, an expert on medieval manor houses, added: “Thanks to its excellent preservation and the clear distinction between its three main building periods, the Manor House is a text-book illustration of how English Houses developed between the Middle Ages and ‘early modern’ period. How fortunate we are to have such a gem in our midst.”

The Manor House Trust has ambitious plans to develop the house and cottages as an arts and community resource, with rooms for hire, studios and event spaces for people across the district to take advantage of.

During his visit on April 5 Mr Titchmarsh will meet local children, volunteers, key officials and trustees to celebrate the transferring of the site to the community. During his visit Mr Titchmarsh will be invited to cut the ribbon to open the Manor House as a new heritage, arts and community venue. There will be tours, talks, activities and displays happening during the day.

After the official opening Mr Titchmarsh will enjoy a tour with Friends of the Manor House volunteers giving him a flavour of the history of the site and building as well as joining local children and their families in planting herbs baskets to reflect the culinary and medicinal uses of herbs through the ages.

The new Trust said that the open day was an opportunity to showcase some of the creative and heritage activities that the Manor House will be offering in the future. It is hoped that eventually the Manor House will offer a full programme of events, exhibition space for local and regional artists and an all weather destination for tourists coming to the town.

* The Manor House trustees are looking to strengthen their board with additional trustees with particular emphasis on heritage interpretation and educational outreach. If you are interested in being part of the team of trustees contact ilkleymanorhouse@gmail.com for an information pack.