THE launch of a new organisation to safeguard the future of one of the region's stately homes is off to a good start.

A bid to found the Friends of Kiplin Hall was only announced last month and a meeting was held on Monday night to give the public an opportunity to find out more about the proposals.

However, by then more than 100 people had already volunteered to be members of the new organisation, while 100 more signed up on Monday.

Kiplin Hall administrator Dawn Webster said: "It was a lovely evening. It was truly wonderful to see so many people willing to help.''

The next step is to form a steering committee to decide on a formal constitution for the new Friends organisation which will then apply for recognition by the Charity Commission.

There are already a number of events in the pipeline to help raise funds for the upkeep of the historic building between Richmond and Northallerton, in North Yorkshire.

Tickets remain for a night of music entitled From Miss Crowe's Song Book, a performance by Kiplin Hall supporter Shona Allen, who will sing work composed by the daughter of the Crowe family, which owned the house in the 18th Century.

The concert, which will be held on Sunday, May 26, will conclude with refreshments inspired by the Georgian period.

More information about the event or the new Friends organisation is available by telephoning (01748) 818178.