THE jewel in the crown of the National Trust will be seen in a new light later this month.

The floodlighting season at Fountains Abbey, near Ripon, begins over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Visitors to the estate will be able to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the abbey bathed in light and echoing to the sound of Gregorian chants.

The highly-popular event was inaugurated by the Queen Mother in 1932 when she visited the Vyner family, who then lived on the estate.

From August 25 to October 14, between dusk and 10pm, the ancient ruins will resound with recorded chants by the monks of Ampleforth Abbey.

On Saturday evenings, between 8pm and 9pm, choirs from around the region will be performing sacred and secular repertoires