THE owner of fire-hit Peckforton Castle yesterday revealed the true cost of the blaze that ravaged the dream venue.

Speaking of his heartbreak at showing brides their wedding fairytale in charred tatters, owner Chris Naylor revealed the clean-up operation is likely to cost £1.5m and last six months.

The fire broke out in a wing of the medieval-style castle near Tarporley, Cheshire, at around 5am on Sunday, after the wedding of Merseyside couple Max Kay, 36, and Stephanie Blackmore, 34.

About 100 firefighters tackled the blaze at the Grade I-listed property, which started in the drawing room and destroyed the bridal suite and a dozen other bedrooms.

With more than 50 couples due to wed at the prestigious Cheshire venue before September, many of them from Merseyside, the race is on to salvage their big days.

Mr Naylor said: “I’ve literally just met with English Heritage.

“They are very much behind us getting to where we need to be as quickly as possible.”

The building’s listed status means that repair work is complicated by satisfying the heritage body.

As yet, the full extent of the structural damage is unknown.

Mr Naylor said: “We are insured, fortunately.

“It’s quite early doors to find out how much the insurers will actually cover. We have to leave that to the Royal Sun Alliance, although I expect that’s something they will support.”