VISITORS to Fountains Abbey have been getting a unique chance to step back in time.

People are being invited to say "It's a Monk's Life" as they experience what it was like to be in holy orders centuries ago.

Each Wednesday during the school holidays, visitors can join a family-oriented tour of the ancient abbey, dress up in monks' robes and find out what their daily life was really like.

Young monks are met by their "guide", the Abbot, to progress through the estate near Ripon and absorb 800 years of its history.

A spokesman for Fountains Abbey said the tours - which cost £1 plus normal admission - had been hugely popular with visitors. Places can be booked on 01765 643167 or at the admissions desk on the day.