Canterbury City Council (CCC) has officially handed over control of Whitstable Castle to an independent trust, following the completion of a major multi-million pound restoration scheme.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund (BIG) provided more than £2m to help fund the project, which has seen a new garden room added to the Grade II-listed castle, as well as a new lift, visitor reception and tea room.

Other parts of the scheme have included the remodelling of the surrounding park's landscape; the creation of a toddlers' play area; the expansion of the former rose garden and improvements to public toilet facilities.

In addition to the HLF/BIG support, the scheme received £1m from CCC and £40,000 from the former Castle Centre Association. Whitstable Improvement Trust provided a further £500. The castle will now be managed by Whitstable Castle Trust (WCT).

WCT chief executive Darren Simpson said: "This new phase in the life of Whitstable Castle is due to the vision and decision making of the city council. From the outset, councillors had the foresight and ambition to want the very best for local people and they have achieved this in no small measure."

The official public opening of the castle is scheduled for 4 September.