RABY Castle re-opens to the public on Sunday after being closed since the beginning of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

There is full access to the castle and gardens and facilities such as the tearooms, gift shop and woodland adventure playground. There is still a significant risk to deer in the park, however, so the public are restricted from entering grazing areas.

Normal opening days and times will resume. The castle opens from 1-5pm, the park and gardens are open from 11am-5.30 and the tearooms are open from 11.30-5pm. Everything is open daily, except Saturdays, during July and August.

Estate general manager, Mr Stephen Rochford, said: "We realise that Raby is central and important to tourism in Teesdale and we are pleased to be re-opening to the public, albeit halfway through our normal season.

"It is essential that, where possible, life returns to normality."

l See pages 14 & 15.