VISITORS to Middleham will be able to question King Richard III at the town's summer festival, which begins on Saturday, June 28.

The programme begins with local gardeners opening their gates to the public, the Key Centre hosting a sale of rare and unusual plants, and Coverham Church hosting a flower festival.

A Tombstone Tour of the Middleham Church graveyard will shed light on the more macabre chapters of the town's history, while The Trial of King Richard III will be held in the grounds of Middleham Castle on both Saturday, July 5, and Sunday, July 6.

Michael Bennet will be playing the part of the king - who can be questioned by members of the audience as well as by his courtiers.

Copies of the full festival programme - which also includes tours of the town's famous stables - are available at the Middleham Tourist Information Centre and from local shops.

Tickets are also available by calling (01969) 623497.