THE National Trust is hosting an Art for Christmas exhibition at Nunnington Hall, Nunnington, near Helmsley.

The subjects on show include local life, landscapes, nature, abstract works and amazing animals in styles and media ranging from painting to photos, cross-stitch to carving, glass to stainless steel.

“Picking the works to go on display was tough; there were just so many wonderful entries,” says the hall’s visitor experience manager, James Etherington. “The exhibition is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase the abilities of the many artists who live and work in the region and it really lights up the exhibition space here at the hall.”

The exhibition will run until December 14 at Nunnington Hall, which is decorated as if in preparation for a 1920s Christmas with presents on the table, Christmas trees and decorations in the rooms, a butler serving sherry in the dining room. Christmas favourites will be available in the tearoom.

Father Christmas will be in his grotto ready to greet children with a special present and to find out what is on their Christmas wish list. Booking is essential to visit Father Christmas; more details are available on 01439 748283.

Nunnington Hall is open on Saturday and Sunday, then December 13 and 14, 11am to 4pm.