ONCE-busy old machinery has been put to a restful new use at one of North Yorkshire's fast-developing attractions.

Volunteers at Helmsley Walled Garden have turned an old hay rake into a brightly-coloured bench for visitors.

The rake, with its large cast iron wheels, was found in a nearby field and given to garden volunteer Bill Tait to work on.

And with the help of others - and some stout lengths of oak - he has created an eye-catching bench.

"It sits in a wildflower meadow and looks over the garden towards Helmsley Castle," said head gardener Paul Radcliffe.

"It's already proving popular with visitors and it is just the right height for wheelchair users."

Volunteers are already working on their next piece for the garden, an octagonal summer house on a turntable.