A MULTI-million selling folk band and a national icon have joined the Echo's fight to Let Our Treasure Shine.

Television presenter and national treasure Stephen Fry has added his name to the growing list of supporters of the Let Our Treasure Shine campaign.

Folk rock band Magna Carta – who have been releasing records for the past 41 years – have also pledged their support to get their namesake the recognition it deserves.

The castle needs a £20 million regeneration and this would include a new exhibition centre for the Magna Carta, which belongs to Lincoln Cathedral.

But Lincolnshire County Council needs to make a deal with Her Majesty's Courts Service before any changes can take place – because the city's crown court occupies a prime location in the historic building.

The band Magna Carta formed in London in 1969 and have gone on to sell eight million albums worldwide and tour in 78 countries.

Talking to the Echo from his narrowboat in the Yorkshire Dales, co-founder, singer and guitarist Chris Simpson said he was honoured his band shared the same name as the 13th century charter.

He said: "The Magna Carta is relevant today and it should be seen by everyone. Back in 1969, we got the right A&R man drunk and he said he was going to sign us to Mercury Records.

"He said we needed a name, so I suggested Magna Carta.

"Everyone learns of it at school. It's a stepping stone and a charter of freedom.

"The name originally began as a peg on which to hang an identity, but it grew way beyond that.

"The Magna Carta is more relevant now than it ever was.

"Lincoln has that wonderful charter of freedom sitting there. It should be rightly revered as one of the greatest landmarks of freedom."

The band and Stephen Fry join local business leaders, councillors, Conservative MP Karl McCartney and cult weatherman John Kettley – who are all supporting the Echo's campaign for a world-class Magna Carta centre in the grounds of Lincoln Castle.

Councillor Martin Hill, leader of the county council, said: "I'm delighted with the passionate response this campaign has generated.

"This exciting project is clearly something people want."