Stately hunt for volunteer helpers
Sue Jordan, a volunteer at Beningbrough Hall, near York, cleans the Great Staircase as the historic building looks for more willing helpers.
An open weekend is being held between noon and 2pm today and tomorrow to give potential recruits the chance to find out about more than 25 different roles from garden guiding to helping with schools or events.
There is already a team of more than 170 volunteers involved at the hall. The 18th century baroque property, which shows a collection of portraits from the National Portrait Gallery in London, also works with school and community groups.
It was acquired by the National Trust in 1958, but it did not reopen until an extensive renovation programme had been completed during the 1970s.
PICTURE: GARY longbottom