Wollaton Hall was built in the 16th century

University experts have helped renovate the 250-year-old plumbing at Wollaton Hall.

The original plumbing is being replaced as part of a number of improvements on the Grade I listed hall and Grade II listed courtyard buildings.

Plumbers called on experts from the University of Nottingham to recreate lead heads after foundries and specialist centres were unable to help.

Experts from the university's Innovative Manufacturing Centre (IMC) used rapid prototyping technology to digitally model one of the original heads so that a lead cast could be made and all the heads replaced.

The IMC's general manager Steve Upcraft said: "We were more than happy to help out.

MOULDINGS Left: Original moulding Right: Cast used to create replacements

"It was a relatively straightforward job for us but it couldn't have been done without the digital clay modelling and rapid prototyping available at our centre.

"It's wonderful to think that innovative state-of-the-art technologies are being used to enhance the city's Elizabethan architecture."

Bob Chaffin of Nottingham City Council said: "Because of the conservation issues surrounding Wollaton Hall and buildings, all repair work has to be done very carefully, replacing like with like as nearly as possible to respect the heritage of the historic site and buildings.

"It's fantastic that the university has been able to produce these moulds of the original decorative moulds.

"It means we can reproduce them exactly as they were as we renew the rainwater lead piping on the courtyard buildings."

Up to 50 moulds are to be replaced.