A SPRING cleaning marathon is under way at one of the jewels in the National Trust crown, as staff get ready to re-open in the wake of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Beningbrough Hall and Gardens, near York, endured a disastrous visitor season last year as the epidemic took hold.

But the historic showpiece property is re-opening on Saturday with a host of new activities up its sleeve.

Among the main attractions will be a train and carriages, based in the Wilderness play area, which has been made by garden staff using lime trees felled last year.

Property manager Ray Barker said: "We are looking forward to welcoming visitors to our wonderful house and gardens.

"Staff have worked very hard during the winter to ensure that there will be lots for people to see and do and we are introducing a number of new events including jazz nights, a circus skills workshops and a stately gnome day."

Other activities include information packs to help visitors understand the Georgian portraits hanging in the hall as well as giving five-minute talks about the works of art.