A MAJOR flower festival is about to be held at one of the region's greatest stately homes - and the staff are getting in the spirit of the occasion.

The team at Castle Howard near Malton will don their finest floral prints to celebrate displays created by award-winning designer Fiona Pickles of Firenza Flowers.

“This year’s flower festival celebrates flowers and foliage in all of their natural forms to show the beauty of our natural world,” said spokesman Abbigail Ollive.

“We’re hoping staff and visitors alike will share in the joy this brings, so we’ve encouraged everyone to dig out their best floral print dresses, shirts and ties to reflect this – and staff are already rising to the challenge.”

Alongside installations in the house, the festival, from June 28 to July 1, will include talks, demonstrations and workshops from professional growers and arrangers.

For more visit castlehoward.co.uk