VOLUNTEERS are being sought to run a new visitor attraction in a vandal-hit 16th Century house.

Thorpe Prebend House, in Ripon, is being transformed into an education and pilgrim interpretation centre. The building is the sole survivor of seven prebend houses used by canons at the city's cathedral.

It is due to open as a key tourist attraction next summer, with cathedral staff already laying plans for its operation.

The project, which attracted National Lottery funding of £544,000, has already won the personal backing of the Prince of Wales, who, on October 24, will be made a Freeman of Ripon during his visit to the city.

In addition to recruiting volunteers to run the house - where afternoon teas will be served in its restored gardens by the River Skell - cathedral bosses behind the project want to establish a Friends of Thorpe Prebend House.

On Friday, November 15, potential supporters and volunteer workers are invited to a meeting in the cathedral library at 4pm and again at 7.30pm.

Full details will be revealed at the meeting about how people can become involved.