A market town is hoping for a busy Bank Holiday weekend after its main attraction re-opened.

The drawbridge went up at Middleham Castle in March when the first cases of foot-and-mouth disease were reported in Hawes.

The public have been kept away ever since, especially as a neighbouring farm was among those isolated to minimise the risk of spreading the disease.

However, the last of the animals were moved last week - and the castle gates reopened on Friday.

Custodian Maureen Bush said: "We have some restrictions in place; there is a disinfectant mat and not all the exits are open as they lead to footpaths which are still closed; however, everything else is back to normal."

This Bank Holiday weekend, the music group Misericordia will be performing lively medieval songs at the castle.

The event begins at noon on Sunday and Monday.

Entry costs £3.10 for adults, £2.40 concessions and £1.60 children. Call (01969) 623899 for details.