OWNERS of a Medieval manor house attraction hope the weather forecasters can pull a rabbit out of the hat during the Easter break.

Last year's damp summer left seasonal takings well down on expectation at Crook Hall, in Durham.

Maggie and Keith Ball have opened the hall and its grounds to the public for the past seven years, re-investing the takings to help with the upkeep of the premises and to improve the gardens.

They are hoping for unseasonal late March sunshine when they open for the first time for the year, from Friday to Monday.

"Like a lot of other visitor attractions, last year was a bit of a wash-out," said Mrs Ball.

"We are obviously dependent on the weather, and it was really disappointing as the summer went on. We are hoping to do much better this year, and so we just want some decent weather."

Crook Hall, near the Wear riverbanks and half-a-mile from the city centre, has ten themed gardens, including the renewed Cathedral Garden, and a maze that has been made more challenging.

"It was really only a challenge to our smallest visitors in the past, but its starting to mature and its certainly more tricky this year," said Mrs Ball.

Crook Hall, along with its White Lady ghost, is open from 1pm to 5pm during the four days of the Easter holiday weekend.

Admission is £4 for adults, £3.50 for concessions and £12 for a family ticket, for up to two adults and three children.

As an added attraction during the course of the weekend, children will be invited to spot the Easter bunny and hunt for chocolate eggs in the grounds.

For details, call 0191-384 8028.