The butterfly house in Wilton Park has fallen into disrepair over the past few years.

But now the Friends of Wilton Park hope to bring the dilapidated butterfly house back into use, and started work this week cleaning up the former attraction.

The friends, supported by Kirklees Council, hope to re-open the butterfly house to the public next summer and are appealing for help to get it up and running again.

The butterfly house fell into disrepair after the death of lepidopterist David Crozier, the volunteer who managed and maintained it for the council.

The authority has been unable to find anyone to take over as keeper until now.

In addition to wanting help to get the building back into a suitable condition, the friends are looking for a butterfly expert who can advise on re-establishing a butterfly colony.

Workmen from Kirklees parks and open spaces team will be replacing window panes, checking the electrics and supplying butterfly-attracting plants and shrubs for the beds in front of the building.

The friends will be co-ordinating the planting outside and the clean-up inside.

They need physical help and also donations toward the cost of indoor plants and butterflies. They hope local traders and community groups will want to get involved.

For more information on volunteering phone 07798 900894 or 07748 215910.