THE cold spell has not put off visitors to one of the region's most popular attractions.

Families have been flocking to Whitworth Hall County Park, near Spennymoor, County Durham, with the deer park proving a particular favourite of children.

The ancestral home of Bobby Shafto, Whitworth Hall, boasts attractions including a Victorian walled garden, a secret garden and Europe's most northerly vineyard.

But it is the deer which form the centrepiece of the estate, set in 73 acres of parklands and gardens.

There are more than 100 red and fallow deer in two herds, which are so friendly they often trot over to meet visitors.

Whitworth Hall manager Andrew Cummings said: "They're especially popular with children and families."

The hall is open all year round and admission is free.