THE trustees of an historic hall are to celebrate the tenth anniversary of its renovation with a garden party to thank the volunteers who keep it running.

Kiplin Hall, in Scorton, near Richmond, is a popular tourist destination for its art and furniture collections and sprawling gardens, run by curator Dawn Webster.

The hall was built in 1620 by George Calvert, the founder of the state of Maryland, in the United States, with more than 5,000 acres of land, which was gradually sold off after the Second World War.

After decades of neglect the hall received a financial boost when part of the estate was leased out for gravel quarrying and it closed its doors in 1998 for three years of restoration.

Ten years after it re-opened in 2001, the hall has gone from strength to strength and attracts a large number of visitors to tour its historic rooms and gardens.

The garden party, which will be held on Saturday, June 18, will also celebrate the dedication of the 85 volunteers who help with the upkeep and administration of the hall.

A presentation will be made to 20 volunteers who have ten years of continuous service at the estate and a new sensory garden will also be opened by Joyce Johnson, chairman of the Friends of Kiplin Hall.