Valentines Mansion is closed until January 24 for maintenance and redecoration.

The mansion, in Emerson Road, Ilford, is to have the ceiling above the main staircase and in some rooms redecorated, and there will also be repairs to a number of wooden panels and stonework in the floor of the entrance hall.

The gift shop will move to the ground floor while the building is closed so that there is more space for customers to browse.

Staff will still be available to take bookings and enquiries during the closure, and the Mansion Gardens and caf� will remain open.

A small number of events in the Dovecote and Victorian Kitchen planned for this month are still taking place.