SPRING is in the air at one of the region's treasured stately homes.

A large carpet of daffodils fill the grounds surrounding Castle Howard, near Malton, North Yorkshire, making it pretty as a picture.

The castle boasts a wide variety of daffodils, including Golden Harvest and King Alfred, which should be in bloom until the middle of next month. And while the flowers are blossoming, Lady Georgiana - the sixth countess living at Castle Howard in 1855 - will be taking in the scenery, while preparing for an exhibition, called The Angel in the House.

The Mother's Day event will examine the worries and joys experienced by women of the 18th and 19th centuries, including Lady Georgiana's tales of bringing up her 12 children.

Visitors will be able to admire displays of rocking horses, prams and other children's items, while imagining the children who have lived at Castle Howard running down the corridors and playing in the Great Hall.

The exhibition takes place on Sunday, March 30