THE FORMER Prime Minister has said he is "delighted" that the former West Oxfordshire home of poet William Morris is to receive almost £5m.

Last week the Heritage Lottery Fund announced it would grant £4.7m to Kelmscott Manor to repair and upgrade the Grade 1 listed building and boost visitor numbers.

David Cameron, the Member of Parliament for Witney, has welcomed the news of support for a tourist attraction in his constituency.

He said: "I am delighted that Kelmscott Manor will receive this Heritage Lottery Fund grant.

"I supported their application without hesitation and it is excellent that they will now be able to make these repairs and upgrades.

“I am a passionate supporter of tourism and it’s so important that we do everything we can to preserve these historical buildings so that people can continue visiting these inspiring places.”

Over the next few years Kelmscott Manor will use the money to double its number of open days and visitors.

About 18,000 people a year currently come through the doors of the country pile, which was the Cotswold retreat of poet and novelist William Morris from 1871 until his death in 1896. Today it is owned by the Society of Antiquaries of London.