As well as developers who want to use the historic grounds and former stately home for housing, interest has come from the local trust which wants to preserve it, a school group and the south Derbyshire caravan firm, Don Amott.

County council officials will now assess all the candidates according to their financial resources, experience of restoration projects and technical ability to deliver what they are proposing.

Six of the bidders will then be shortlisted to submit more detailed plans.

Any organisation which does not guarantee our conditions will not make it to the shortlist Bob James, Derbyshire County Council

The castle has been looking for new managers for a number of years.

Members of the public will have chance to hear some of the suggestions at a meeting later this month in Matlock.

Bob James, the Derbyshire County Councillor responsible for community services, said: "We are looking for particular criteria. They must be able to properly maintain the castle.

"Services must be provided, the country park must remain open and without charge and the historic gardens will be restored.

"Any organisation which does not guarantee our conditions will not make it to the shortlist."

The winning bid will be announced later this year.