CARDIGAN Castle faces some stiff competition in tomorrow night’s final of Channel 4’s Great British Buildings Restoration of the Year.

The castle won the Georgian category in the first episode and is now up against two winners of the Victorian category, Lews Castle in Scotland and Mount Stewart in Northern Ireland, plus last Thursday’s early category winner Hampton Court Palace.

A fifth and final finalist will be chosen from tomorrow’s 20th century candidates before the overall winner is announced.

Castle facilities officer Sue Lewis said: “To be in this competition against all these wonderful and imposing British buildings has been an honour.

“Winning the Georgian category has seen a huge upsurge of interest in the castle and we are all looking forward to the final on Thursday night.”

The castle accommodation bookings have gone “into overdrive” since the programme went on air and visitor numbers have also increased.

“We have had people from all over the UK who have come to visit the castle after seeing the programme,” said Sue.

“It has really put Cardigan on the map.”

The castle is also looking for more volunteers to help look after the extra visitors expected to flock there in the wake of the programme.

The castle needs volunteers to help in the garden, steward events, take guided tours or simply just chat to visitors.

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