VISITORS are getting all steamed up about the latest arrival at one of the region's historic houses.

For years, a ride on the miniature railway has been one of the highlights of a trip to Newby Hall, near Ripon.

Now, with visitor numbers to the house and grounds soaring, a new mini-locomotive has joined the little fleet.

The Lady Mary Viner will be running alongside the already popular Countess De Grey on the scenic track running through the grounds of Newby by the banks of the River Ure.

So far the 2002 season has been a success for the Hall with visitor numbers already up two per cent on last year.

The arrival of the train comes in time for the summer months, when visitor numbers soar and demand for tickets for the railway is expected to reach an all-time high.

"The arrival of the new locomotive means we can now take twice as many visitors," said Newby Hall's owner, Richard Compton.

"The miniature railway is extremely popular but, surprisingly, we have more adults than children coming along for a ride."

The new locomotive is named after Lady Mary Vyner, an ancestor of the current owner who lived at Newby Hall in Victorian times.

She also commissioned the building of Christ the Consoler Church in Newby's grounds in memory of her son Frederick Vyner, who was killed in Greece.

Newby Hall and gardens are open Tuesdays to Sundays and Bank Holidays.

The gardens are open from 11am and the house from noon. Last admission is at 4.30pm.

For more details contact Newby Hall on (01423) 322583, or visit www.newbyhall.com.