THE guardians of the country’s past are searching for people to join their ranks and help preserve two iconic buildings.

The National Trust is recruiting for a selection of opportunities, paid and voluntary, at two of their prized properties – the Treasurer’s House in York and Beningbrough Hall and Gardens to the north of the city.

Special open days are to be held at both venues when people of all ages and experience an opportunity to chat to staff and volunteers about what it is like to work at a historic house.

Visitor services manager Lisa Holden said: “As well as the key role of room guides, who help bring the house to life by telling the fascinating stories of the house face to face, we are also looking for volunteers to support with our social media, website and photography, gardening, events, tour guiding and learning programmes, allowing us to capture our history in increasingly diverse ways for our visitors to enjoy.

“In return volunteering with us can offer people the chance to develop or learn new skills, give something extra to their social life or simply enjoy spending a few hours a week in a fantastic setting.”

Open days will be held at Beningbrough Hall and Gardens, just north of the city, on January 5 and 10 from 11am to 2pm. Then at Treasurer’s House, next to York Minster. on January 11 and 12 from 11.30am to 2pm.