A WENSLEYDALE market town celebrates its heritage with a week-long festival which opens today.

Modern Middleham is best known for its numerous racehorse stables, but the town has a rich medieval history and was once where Richard III held court.

The drama of his questionable accession to the throne will be played out in the castle grounds next weekend, when visitors will have the chance to challenge the king over his right to rule the country.

The entertainment during the next eight days also celebrates a happier side of life, with an exhibition by the Middleham Quilters opening at the Key Centre today, as are a number of private gardens normally closed to the public.

Coverham Church also hosts a flower festival from tomorrow, while a number of the town's racing stables will be welcoming visitors from Monday.

Spokeswoman Sue Constantine said: "Middleham is a very special place and we have all been working hard so we can show visitors just a few of the good things about life in this small corner of Wensleydale."

Full details of the festival programme are available from Domus, in the Market Place, or from local Tourist Information Centres.