A LARGE Easter bunny is expected to be spotted in the grounds of a Medieval manor house that opens to the public over the holiday weekend.

Crook Hall, overlooking the River Wear half-a-mile from the centre of Durham, opens for the spring/summer season of 2000 on Good Friday.

The thirteenth century hall and surrounding four acres of attractive themed gardens have become one of the newest attractions in Durham.

Owners Keith and Maggie Bell first revealed the hidden delights of their home to the public in 1998, and repeated it last year, with visitor numbers increasing all the time.

This year they begin with a four-day Easter opening.

"We are hoping the weather improves. We seem to have had two freezing Easters so far, yet it's usually a pretty busy time."

Playing Easter bunny will be gardener Alan Twiddy, whose only consolation is that no-one can recognise him under his rabbit costume.

Crook Hall, off Sidegate, opens from Friday to Monday, 1-5pm daily. Admission costs £3.60 for adults, £2.60 for the over 60s and under 16s, and £9.75 for a family ticket.