Supporters are looking to rally support for a protest at the county council's meeting on 3 November.

Councillors say they are looking for a partner to help run the site and public access would always be allowed.

The group Friends of Elvaston Castle, wants to lease the building from the council instead.

'Spread the word'

Dave Black, from the Friends of Elvaston, said: "If you believe in what you're fighting for then you'll keep going.

"We'll be around the towns and villages of Derbyshire with the Hands off Elvaston Castle road show, trying to spread the word."

Campaigners are unhappy at the council's decision to lease the site as a hotel and golf club

Some 33,000 people signed a petition calling for the site to remain open to the public.

However, the council says the site needs investment from a private source as it is simply too costly to keep maintaining.