A new organisation set up to safeguard the future of one of the region's stately homes is off to a flying start.

The launch of the Friends of Kiplin Hall was only announced last month and a meeting was arranged for last Monday night to give the public an opportunity to find out more about the proposals.

However, by then, more than 100 people had already volunteered to be members of the new organisation. A further 100 more signed up on Monday night.

Kiplin Hall administrator Dawn Webster said: "It was a lovely evening. It was truly wonderful to see so many people willing to help.'"

The next step is to form a steering committee to agree a formal constitution for the new Friends organisation and then apply for recognition by the Charity Commission.

A number of fundraising events are in the pipeline to raise funds towards the upkeep of the hall, between Richmond and Northallerton.

An evening with Lady Crathorne, wife of the Lord Lieutenant for North Yorkshire, tomorrow is sold out.

Tickets remain for an night of music entitled From Miss Crowe's Song Book - a performance by Kiplin Hall supporter Shona Allen, who will sing work composed by the daughter of the Crowe family who owned the house in eighteenth century.

The concert, on Sunday, May 26, will conclude with refreshments inspired by the Georgian period. More information about the event or the new Friends organisation is available by calling (01748) 818178.