THE campaign to create a centre for Lincoln's Magna Carta has been given a boost by the Ministry of Justice.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice Jonathan Djanogly has asked civil servants to make a detailed investigation into the bid.

He told a delegate of county big-wigs, who travelled to London yesterday, it would include looking at keeping Lincoln Crown Court in the county.

The decision was made during a 45-minute meeting at the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) with Lincolnshire County Council leader Martin Hill and city MP Karl McCartney.

They outlined the plan for a centre to house the Magna Carta, which has already become the subject of a Heritage Lottery bid.

Mr McCartney said: "I think the meeting went as well as we could have hoped.

"We knew we were never going to go and come back with a definite yes, but we came out feeling quite positive.

"Improvements to the castle and the environment there and an exhibition are very helpful when you think about Lincolnshire as a tourist attraction."

Lincoln Castle needs a £20 million facelift and the Magna Carta centre would be part of that. It is thought it would bring in up to £68 million a year to the county economy, potentially creating 1,100 jobs.

But County Hall needs to make a deal with Her Majesty's Courts Service before any changes can take place, as the city's crown court occupies the historic building.

Councillor Hill said: "There are some practical difficulties, but the minister was quite keen to be as helpful as possible.

"We are through to the next round of the Heritage Lottery bid. That's got to be decided in March and that process will need clarification on the crown court."

A report commissioned by East Midlands Development Agency EMDA says the castle redevelopment could boost tourism in Lincoln, currently worth £117 million a year, by between £36 million and £68 million. Between 600 and 1,100 full-time equivalent jobs could also be created.

County council tourism development officer Mary Powell said: "All the evidence at the moment says Lincoln's tourist attractions are only attracting visitors for half a day, for four or five hours.

"To get the maximum economic benefit, we need to turn Lincoln into a short break destination."

It is not known when County Hall will hear from the ministry, but it is hoped to be within a few weeks.