PAINTING and decorating students tested out their newly acquired skills refurbishing a manor house on the historic Raby Castle estate. The seven-week project at Raff Yard House is part of a multi-million-pound investment at the historic visitor destination, near Staindrop, which has just received planning permission from Durham County Council. Existing buildings at the medieval castle are being repurposed for mixed tourism, leisure and educational uses, along with the formation of a new car park, creation of play facilities and the erection of a new visitor arrival building and vinery cafe. Twelve Level 2 learners from Bishop Auckland College are working with Trades4Care on the Raff Yard House refurbishment.