Hall invites visitors to make their wishes according to ancient legend

People are being given the chance to tie a piece of coloured ribbon to

an apple tree in the orchard of Nunnington Hall, near Helmsley, as they make a wish.

A centuries-old legend has claimed that when the ribbon falls to the ground, the person's wish will be granted.

House steward at the National Trust property, Sarah Taylor, said: "It is a wonderful way for people to leave a little mark on Nunnington Hall – the grounds and house are such a wonderful place, and this is our way of allowing people to know that they have left something special behind.

"We now have had hundreds and hundreds of pieces of ribbon on the tree, it really does look beautiful as they are all different colours and give a real rainbow effect.

"We'd like to think that the legend has some truth in it, and that people's wishes will one day be granted."

Nunnington Hall dates from the late 17th century, but records show that a house existed on the site for several centuries before.

During the Civil War, Nunnington Hall was badly damaged by the Parliamentarian troops garrisoned there.