Wentworth Woodhouse launch art competition to save Yorkshire's largest country house

The Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, who have owned the Georgian house and gardens since 2017, are facing a major drop in income after being forced to close the property to visitors in March and cancel their summer events programme, as well as lucrative wedding bookings.

The ancestral seat of the Fitzwilliam family, near Rotherham, is known for its strong links to nearby communities, which supply many of its volunteers and support its events.

Now these regular visitors are being encouraged to enter an art competition with the chance for their winning design to be featured on a fundraising T-shirt.

The contest is open to artists of all ages and abilities, from children to pensioners.

The trust's CEO, Sarah McLeod, has appealed for more youngsters to enter before the closing date of May 16.

The best submissions will become part of an exhibition after the lockdown ends, and the winner of each age category will receive a free afternoon tea for two at the house.

“We wanted to inspire people to use their enforced time at home to get creative for us,” said Sarah McLeod.

“We have four age categories, ranging from six and under to adults, and have already received some amazing paintings and drawings from grown-ups. But it would be lovely to see more images of the house through the eyes of children.”

To enter, post a photo of your artwork on Wentworth Woodhouse's Facebook page with your name, age and address.