AN 18th Century country estate is shutting its gates to the public because the owners are fed up with the attitude of rude visitors.

Bavington Hall and its 15-acre grounds, once the home of the famous Shafto family in Northumberland, was opened for tours just over a year ago following a £1m restoration.

Now millionaire businessman George Patrick has decided he does not want to share his family home with visitors, after spending three years restoring the dilapidated mansion near Capheaton.

Mr Patrick and his partner, Sheila Thompson, say they have been upset by rude and aggressive attitudes they have suffered from some visitors.

The couple have said they are no longer prepared to open up the house and grounds to the public after this Sunday.

They have taken out an advert saying: "A decline in attitudes of certain sections of the public are making it impossible for those people genuinely interested in their heritage to benefit from their visits to Bavington Hall.

"Those attitudes are also found to be disappointingly unacceptable to the owners."