A MURDERED archbishop, a crusader king, Queen Elizabeth I and Henry VIII are all to be found among the flowers and shrubs in two North Yorkshire villages celebrating the current monarch's Golden Jubilee this weekend.

Residents of Kirklington and Sutton Howgrave, between Bedale and Ripon, are opening their gardens to the public on Saturday and Sunday.

"It is always fun and this year's event is another great way of commemorating the Queen's 50-year reign," said Rector, Clive Mansell.

"I very much hope people will come and have a very enjoyable time and in the process gain a fresh glimpse into some of our history."

Features of the trail are being kept under wraps as they are part of a competition - although each garden will contain a scene or reference to an event in the life of a British monarch.

Brass band performances and craft stalls will be among the other attractions during the weekend, while Kirklington's St Michael's Church hosts a permanent exhibition of contemporary parish life.

Canon Glyn Webster of York Minster will be the guest preacher at a service which concludes the weekend at 6.30pm on Sunday.