AN English Heritage site at the heart of Worcestershire has been forced to close.

Witley Court will be shut to visitors as gusts of winds as high as 45 miles per hour batter the county.

The historic house, between Worcester and Kidderminster, has also closed its play are and shop.

A spokesperson for English Heritage said: "Witley Court and the Wildnerness Walk, play area and shop will be closed today (February 21) due to adverse weather.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused."

The site has spent much of the winter closed owing to a maintenance issue at the nearby reservoir.