The team behind Wells' iconic Bishops Palace say their long-awaited new entrance will make a big difference for disabled visitors struggling to access the site.

Work is set to begin soon on transforming the old education room next to the Bishop's Table café into a brand-new ticket office and shop – with level access, wider doorways and a direct route onto the South Lawn.

And with the current setup squeezed into a corner of the café, staff say they're relieved to finally be moving forward.

Merryn Kidd, CEO of The Palace Trust, said: "The ticket office and shop presently operate out of a small space at the end of Bishop's Table café, having been temporarily located there.

"We have really struggled to accommodate visitors with access needs, so are delighted to have received the approval to go ahead with our plans. We believe it will make a significant difference to the way we can welcome all of our visitors from Autumn onwards."

The new space will also allow for more café seating and expanded retail, with profits ploughed back into preserving the 800-year-old site.

The Trust had previously planned a separate reception building in the forecourt – but the new design is expected to cost far less than the £250,000 originally estimated, and comes with a smaller carbon footprint.

The entrance upgrade is expected to be completed by autumn this year.