An ancient well built by the Romans in Lincoln is set to be revealed in all its glory.

To the untrained eye, the stone well, on the corner of Bailgate and Westgate in Uphill Lincoln, is not noticeable.

But as part of on-going work in the area, the ancient structure – which spent years covered in protective grass – will emerge with a new image.

A reinforced glass top, LED lighting and 'theatre' style seating will help create the historic spectacle.

And the sunken area surrounding the well will be 'bridged', effectively creating a suspended floor.

Lincolnshire County Council has submitted the proposal to its planning services to refurbish the well and the surrounding site of the Parish Church.

'Bailgate Restored' project manager Les Outram said: "The whole area around the well will become a suspended floor and there will be a three-metre square viewing platform.

"Around that we are going to remove some of the brickwork and flower beds and put some stone steps and seating in, so people can make educational visits. We want to encourage people to spend a couple of hours there."

It is thought the well was originally found around 20 years ago and has since been sealed with a lime concrete to protect it from the elements.

It is not the first ancient well to be used as a feature in the city, and it is thought that the Bailgate well will be reminiscent of the one featured inWidow Cullen's Well in Steep Hill.

During the building of the pub in 2007, the remains of a Roman wall and the well were found.

The well is now the main feature of the pub, which attracts history buffs throughout the year.