THE LATE onset of spring has come as a relief to owners of a medieval manor house and garden.

Crook Hall, on the banks of the River Wear, half a mile from Durham city centre, will open for the season over the Easter weekend, from Friday, April 14.

Set in four acres of themed gardens, it has earned a number of tourism accolades in recent years. The prolonged cold spell well into March brought fears that Easter visitors may not see the grounds at their best.

The upturn in temperatures over the past week was warmly welcomed by owners Keith and Maggie Bell.

Mrs Bell said: "A visit to Crook Hall has become part of many families' Easter weekend.

"With the cold weather and snow still around as recently as last week, it delayed the flowering of the daffodils, but the recent sunshine has resulted in a wonderful show of Easter colour.

"We had the BBC here last week filming for an Easter special edition of Gardeners' World, and it was a bit cold, although we tried to rustle up some spring colour.

"All of a sudden, though, it has started to come to life."

Mrs Bell said the major project over the winter had been the re-landscaping of the Shakespeare Garden, which visitors will be able to admire, alongside the neighbouring Silver and White Garden, Cathedral Garden and Secret Walled Garden. There is also a moat pool, an orchard and a maze where young visitors can burn off energy.

Youngsters completing an Easter treasure hunt will be presented with a chocolate egg by the hall's Easter bunny.

The hall, off Sidegate and Frankland Lane, is open daily from Good Friday to Easter Monday, between 11am and 5pm.

Admission is £4.50 for adults, £4 for concessions and £14 for families.