A NEW portrait of the man who built Kiplin Hall, near Richmond, almost 400 years ago has been unveiled.

George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore and founder of the US state of Maryland, constructed the Jacobean house near Scorton in 1620.

American artist Miss Annette Polan, was commissioned by Mrs Payton Fowler, a direct descendant of Calvert, to paint a copy of his portrait which hangs in the Enoch Pratt free library in Baltimore.

More than £500,000 has been spent on restoring the hall since a charitable trust was set up by its last owner, Miss Bridget Talbot, in 1971.

Miss Dawn Webster, the hall's administrator, said: "All of the principal rooms have been done - the drawing room, the dining room, the library and the gallery. It has been a tremendous labour of love for the trustees."

The project was supported by the Maryland historical society, the Historic Buildings Council and individuals on both sides of the Atlantic. The project also received national lottery cash.

Lord Crathorne, lord lieutenant of North Yorkshire and patron of Kiplin Hall, unveiled the portrait in front of American and British trustees and guests on Saturday.

Kiplin Hall and grounds open to the public from July 1 to September 2, 2-5pm daily except Mondays. Groups are welcome by prior arrangement with the administrator.