SENIOR school pupils are brushing up on their local knowledge and history as they prepare to become temporary tour guides.
Queen Mary's School, at Topcliffe, near Thirsk, is joining dozens of historic buildings across the country which are opening their doors as part of the Civic Trust's Heritage Open Days scheme.
The school, a Grade I listed building which is believed to be the first Palladian house in England, will be open on Saturday morning. The pupils' duties as guides will form part of their GCSE course work.
Teacher Susan Ford said: "They have been studying the architectural features of the building, as well as its history, which means that not only will the girls gain in knowledge, but their communication skills will be tested as they take the visitors around.
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