More than 600 people visited Upton Cressett Hall after a renovation costing hundreds of thousands of pounds.

And demand to see the hall, murals and staircase by Adam Dant at the 16th century Elizabethan manor and gatehouse has been so great the opening has been extended to September 18.

The house, owned by Stone MP Bill Cash and his family, will be open on Sunday and Wednesdays from 2pm to 5pm.

Mr Cash acquired the hall in the 1970s and said: “We were delighted that so many locals love the heritage and history around Bridgnorth.

“The Cressetts were a very important family in the history of Bridgnorth and it is good to see that there is still so much interest in the family history.

“Next year we will be putting on an exhibition that will chronicle the history of the Cressett family over the centuries.”

One of the visitors over the bank holiday weekend was Bridgnorth mayor Connie Baines.

She said: “We’ve known about Upton Cressett for years but it has never been open so few have seen what a hidden jewel it is. I am sure it will become an important part of the Bridgnorth heritage attraction.”

Much Ado About Nothing was performed by the Rain or Shine Theatre Company for a 100-strong audience.