FANS of the beloved Beatrix Potter books will have the rare opportunity to see original copies of the author's work, courtesy of the National Trust.

A collection of watercolours and drawings of Potter favourites, including Squirrel Nutkin and Samuel Whiskers, are bound to capture the hearts of readers both young and old.

The exhibition, The Wonderful World of Beatrix Potter, will take centre stage at Nunnington Hall, near Helmsley, North Yorkshire, from today.

"We are very excited to be able to show these pictures," said Nunnington's property manager Simon Lee.

"For conservation reasons, these particular images have been in store for the past five years and are unlikely to be seen again for a further five years, so it is a real opportunity for people to see these quality works while they are here."

The pictures have been loaned from the National Trust's collection in the Lake District. Potter was a great benefactor of the trust, which now owns both her house near Sawrey and the Beatrix Potter Gallery, in Hawkshead.

The exhibition runs until Saturday, August 30, and during the school holidays a Beatrix Potter family trail will also be running in the walled garden.

For further details call (01439) 748283.