PAINTINGS by local artists of a beautiful five-acre walled garden in the heart of North Yorkshire are being exhibited from Saturday.

Painters, from groups such as the Pickering Art Society, are exhibiting their work of Helmsley Walled Gardens.

Sir David Goodall, chairman of the board of trustees for Helmsley Walled Gardens, will also show 58 of his watercolours.

The paintings will be displayed in the garden's recently-restored Orchid House, from Saturday, September 21, until Sunday, September 29.

All proceeds from the exhibition go to the garden, which is a registered charity. The garden, set against the spectacular backdrop of Helmsley Castle, is gradually being restored to its former glory by volunteers in the community, and head gardener Paul Radcliffe.

Sir David, who retired from the Diplomatic Service in 1991, has published two books about watercolour painting - Remembering India (1997) and Ryedale Pilgrimage (2000) - in aid of the Leonard Cheshire Foundation, Britain's largest disability charity.

The garden is open daily between 10.30am and 5pm.

For more information about the exhibition, call Helmsley Walled Garden on (01439) 771427.