ONE of England's oldest continuously inhabited medieval manors has proved so successful with visitors that its owner plans to open for longer periods.

Lady Deidre Curteis said she was surprised by the number of people who toured Markenfield Hall, near Ripon, which made a foray into the visitor market last year when it opened a few days a week during the summer.

Markenfield will open each day from May 4-18 and June 15-29, between 2-5pm, and to groups by appointment all year round. For details call (01845) 597226.

The moated manor house is listed in William the Conqueror's Domesday Book.