IT'S that time of year again when thoughts turn to spring cleaning - so spare a thought for the staff at one National Trust property.

At Nunnington Hall, near Helmsley, North Yorkshire, it is not only the rooms of the stately home that are given a thorough going over. For the hall is also the home of the Carlisle Collection, a set of miniature rooms that are correct in every tiny detail.

And, just like the real thing, they too have to be carefully cleaned and dusted before the beginning of the season.

"There are more than 20 miniature rooms in the collection and this year is the 21st anniversary of them coming to Nunnington," said property manager Simon Lee.

The rooms are in glass cabinets and each item - down to miniature musical instruments which can be played - have to be cleaned with a soft brush.