GARDENING enthusiasts are being sought to help maintain the grounds of a stately home this winter.

They are needed to help the team at Newby Hall, near Ripon, maintain the site's award-winning gardens during the closed season.

The team will be involved with putting the double herbaceous border - one of the longest in Europe - to bed for the winter by replacing old plants with new ones, pruning shrubs and general weeding and clearance work.

Volunteers can join in at times to suit them and will be guided by staff from the gardening team.

For more information, write to the head gardener, at the Estate Office, Newby Hall, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 5AE.