THE guardians of a stately home have changed up a gear in a bid to encourage more visitors.

The 15-room Georgian mansion, Ormesby Hall, Middlesbrough, is maintained by the National Trust, which was badly hit by last year's foot-and-mouth restrictions.

Proving that it is back in the driving seat, the trust put on a vintage and classic motorcycle show and sprint at the hall yesterday.

On display were names from the past such as BSA, Norton and Triumph, as well as popular makes such as Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha and Harley Davison.

Vintage machines took part in a sprint on the drive leading to the house.