AN historic Wensleydale market town will celebrate its heritage with a week-long summer festival.

Middleham is renowned for its links with Richard III, who grew up in its castle, which overlooks the confluence of the River Ure and River Cover.

The town's modern reputation is as a home to a number of racing stables but Middleham will lift the lid on some of its hidden attractions from this Saturday until Sunday, July 7.

The programme opens with an invitation to visit open gardens around the town between 2pm and 5pm on Saturday, while David Avery, head gardener at Brodsworth Hall, will tell the story of the Victorian pleasure garden from 5.30pm at the Middleham Key Centre.

Other highlights include a market in the Market Place from 10am on Sunday, and an open day at the Old School Arts Workshop on Monday.

Tours around Georgian and Victorian tombstones in the cemetery at Middleham Church take place on Tuesday and Thursday.

There will be re-enactments of life during Richard III's reign at the castle on Saturday, July 6, and Sunday, July 7.

Details of the programme are available at Domus, in the Market Place, or by telephoning (01969) 623497.