TREES at the Yorkshire Arboretum are beginning to turn shades of red, gold and yellow in a display which will intensify over the next few weeks.

The 120-acre garden of trees, located opposite Castle Howard, near Malton, has seen its lake restored to its former glory over the summer, with a new path around the water, allowing visitors to get close to the banks of Japanese maples which are already flaming in brilliant colours.

The 'October Glory' red maples are living up to their name and the birch, hornbeams and beech trees are starting to turn.

More than 2,000 children have been on school visits to the arboretum this year, the largest number to date, and more will be visiting in the next few weeks.

The schools have been enjoying new activities relating to the outdoors such as pond-dipping and shelter building.

Yorkshire Arboretum Director John Grimshaw, said “The arboretum is beautiful throughout the year, but there is something particularly special about autumn.

"With the summer’s punishing heatwave behind us, the turn of season promises a vibrant autumn for visitors to enjoy." He said there was a packed events calendar for families.