THE manager of one of Herefordshire's premier visitor attractions, historic Hampton Court Castle, has scotched rumours that the property has been sold.

"It's not true,'' said Ed Waghorn. The castle was still on the market and despite "tremendous interest" a buyer has yet to emerge, he said.

One national press property pundit has put the property's value at 'at least £10 million.' The estate, bordering the River Lugg, runs to 1,000 acres.

Mr Waghorn said all events at Hampton Court were going ahead as planned this year but staff face uncertainty over planning ahead for next year.

He added: "I heard the rumour that the castle had been sold - from my brother. It's just idle chat I suppose, just like the Ozzy Osbourne rumour."

The zany rock star was widely rumoured to have bought Hampton Court soon after its wealthy American owners, the Van Kampen family, announced their intention to sell up in May.

The family spent more than 17 million dollars restoring the crumbling 15th century castle and creating a restaurant, gardens, water features and a maze, which they opened to the public.

A record 55,000 visitors saw the gardens last year. Castle tours have been launched and the chapel and stately rooms have been made available for weddings and functions.

Staff hope that an incoming buyer will take on the property as 'a going concern' and keep it open to the public.