FILM-lovers are being given the chance of an early glimpse behind the scenes of a hotly-anticipated new version of an all-time classic.

Castle Howard near Malton was the setting for the lavish 1981 TV production of Eveyln Waugh's Brideshead Revisited.

Last year film crews returned to the location to make a big-screen version of the story, which will hit cinemas early in October.

But before that the stately home is hosting a major new exhibition, Brideshead Restored, from June 1.

Stretching over three once-abandoned rooms, the exhibition shows how they were ruined in a fire in 1940, restored and used as a space for the sets of the new film.

It will also give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film, and see the sets up close as well as telling the story of the 1940 fire and how the filming of both Brideshead productions helped restore the house.

Castle Howard's owner Simon Howard said: "When Brideshead Revisited was first broadcast on British television in 1981 it caused a sensation, and for years afterwards Castle Howard was identified with the fictional Brideshead Castle.

"With the release of a new film version in 2008 another generation of viewers will associate this house with the home of the Marchmain family.

"We were delighted that Castle Howard was one of the central players in the new film of Brideshead Revisited, and we hope that people enjoy a glimpse behind the scenes in our new exhibition."

Entry is included in admission to Castle Howard. For more information visit www.castlehoward.co.uk or call 01653-648444.