HELMSLEY Walled Garden has reopened for the new season with plans to restore and develop the attraction.

The garden which was named as one of the prettiest in the country in a report by The Times, was created in 1759.

Comprising of five acres, the garden, which sits in the shadow of the ruins of Helmsley Castle, provided the vegetables, fruit and flowers for the table at Duncombe Park until just after the First World War, when it was leased as market garden.

Tricia Harris, marketing manager, said the garden had been abandoned after it closed its doors for the final time in 1984, and fell into dereliction.

“Restoration started in 1994 and since then the garden has gone from strength-to-strength through the dedication and care of staff and volunteers,” she said.

"The garden is continuing to develop and we will have our sweet pea walk in the Kitchen Garden again as well as the new metal work in the cut f border which will also be smothered in sweet peas. This metalwork was created in memory of former Head Gardener Paul Radcliffe who died last year."

Tricia said the main project for this year would be starting to maintain the historic glass houses.

"They are heritage buildings and need to be maintained to strict guidelines," she added.

"We are looking for a joiner, perhaps someone who has recently retired and might be able to volunteer one day a week to help us in this task."

Tricia said: "t will be a little like painting the Forth Bridge as the work will be one small section at a time to take the glass out, make the necessary repairs to the wood and put the span back together, but it will be a vital piece of work in the ongoing maintenance of the site."

For more information go to www.helmsleywalledgarden.org.uk or phone 01439 771427.