YOUNGSTERS at an independent school for girls are getting some extra lessons - in how to act as tour guides.

Queen Mary's School at Baldersby Park, Topcliffe, near Thirsk, is housed in a spectacular Grade I-listed Palladian mansion.

Tomorrow, the school will be among many other historic venues across the country in welcoming in the public as part of the Heritage Open Day.

Dozens of visitors interested in local history and architecture are expected to take advantage of the chance to look round the building.

To make sure the day goes smoothly, about 30 of the girls are busy preparing to act as tour guides.

They are brushing up on their knowledge of architecture and history and working on their communication skills to ensure visitors make the most of their time at Baldersby Park.

The girls are being tutored by Darrel Buttery, who is chairman of the York Georgian Society as well as the school's head of English.

"It's a marvellous opportunity for people to visit the house as well as giving the girls the chance to develop their communication skills, which is part of their GCSE English work," said Mr Buttery.

Queen Mary's, which takes day and boarding pupils, has been at Baldersby Park since 1985. Before that the school was at Duncombe Park, near Helmsley.

Baldersby Park dates back to 1718, when it was built by the Scottish architect Colem Campbell as the home of the then York MP Sir William Robinson.

It was one of the first Palladian villas with adjoining wings in England, and numbers George Hudson - the Victorian "Railway King" - as one of its former owners.

It will be open to the public between 10am and 1pm tomorrow and admission is free.