A castle has become the newest member of a consortium aimed at promoting the region's historic properties.

Raby Castle, near Staindrop, County Durham, has joined the Yorkshire Great Houses, Castles and Gardens Consortium.

The castle, which is close to the North Yorkshire border, was admitted into the consortium at its annual meeting in Newby Hall.

Sir Thomas Ingilby, of Ripley Castle, said Raby Castle would greatly enhance the profile of the consortium, which has 47 members, including castles, abbeys, houses, gardens and country parks.

It aims to promote the region as a whole through joint marketing initiatives and pooling resources, expertise and information to attract domestic and overseas visitors.