Interested in history, art or gardening? If so there may be a great opportunity waiting for you at a National Trust stately home just outside York, as MATT CLARK reports.

DID you know downstairs at Beningbrough Hall was a world of its own, women this side, men the other and never the twain shall meet? Asks volunteer room guide Ken Thompson. None of us did, but we do now.

We're on a private tour with Ken who gives talks and tours at the currently closed pile, which he says is a fascinating place to work.

"Everyone is joined by their interest in history. You're not expected to become Antonia Frazer overnight, but after a season you become reasonably proficient. There is always someone to help you pick it all up."

Ken says his favourite room is the Blue Bedroom. But to tell the truth, he's spoiled for choice. This imposing Georgian mansion contains one of the most impressive baroque interiors in England, with exceptional plaster work and wood carving.

All of which gathers dust.

They used to have an army of servants to take care of such things, now it's down to volunteers like Rebecca Johnson to keep the place spick and span.

"It's more specialised than shoving a vacuum cleaner around," she says. "Quite time consuming as well, but anyone thinking of volunteering shouldn't worry. You are always well supervised and this is the best job I've ever had."

Sounds like fun doesn't it? And if you've ever wanted to work for a historic visitor attraction, now is your chance, because Beningbrough Hall is holding open days on Saturday and Tuesday where a number of opportunities are on offer in both paid employment and for volunteers.

The sort of roles available are paid seasonal jobs in the restaurant, shop and with the visitor services team. But the Hall is also looking for more room guides like Ken to share stories with visitors.

"There is an interest because many people or their relatives worked in places like this," he says. "They know the stories and are happy to talk about them."

As well as guides and conservation cleaners, Beningbrough is looking for behind the scenes volunteers to help with its collection from cataloguing to conservation. Of course there's a never ending round of jobs to be done in the garden, if you fancy something more energetic, Then there are newer roles such as supporting the social media and web content, which are a great way to enhance your CV with specialised project work.

And if you like dressing up, this really is the place to be. Not just to parade in period costume, they really go to town at Halloween, where room guides dress as everything fromGeorgian ghosts to pumpkins.

But there is a more serious side to Beningbrough. Cathy Thornton, a learning volunteer on the schools programmes is dressed in WAAF uniform to tell the story of Canadian airmen who were billeted here during the Second World War. Many didn't return and the empty bed exhibition poignantly, and without words, conjures a powerful image.

"This really brings it all home," says Cathy. "I get the children to write letters to loved ones and send them as a paper plane. Then we talk about the empty bed and even the noisiest ones go quiet."

However, most of Cathy's work has a lighter aspect. Take the love story Hollywood forgot to film, between a member of 408 Squadron, who fell in love with a local girl and carved Gipsy loves Olie into the drawing room fireplace.

Cathy also conducts downstairs visits where children learn how the great house was run, from mixing polishes to cleaning cutlery.

"The really good thing about Beningbrough is it's not consigned to history. We bring everything to life here, get children hands on and interactive. But you don't need any particular skills, just some common sense and life experience."

Beningbrough Hall is holding drop in open days on Saturday and Tuesday between 10am-1pm. If you are interested in volunteering but can't attend, call 01904 472027 or email beningbrough@nationaltrust.org.uk

You can also apply online at www.nationaltrustjobs.org.uk

Much of the house is closed until February 28, but the galleries, garden, shop and restaurant are currently open on weekends between 11am – 3.30pm.