STAFF at Beningbrough Hall are setting out hundreds of books for sale as it throws open its doors for Residents’ First weekend.

A well-wisher of the National Trust property has donated his collection of fiction and non-fiction books and they will go on sale on Saturday and Sunday in a second-hand book fair to run alongside the open weekend.

All the money raised from the book sale will go on conservation work at the hall. The estate, including the galleries, gardens, parkland and restaurant, will be open from 11am to 3.30pm on both days and admission will be free to YorkCard holders and National Trust members.

Stef Green, retail and membership manager, said: “We’re just north of York, but very much looking forward to the residents’ weekend as so many of our visitors come from the local area. The gardens, even when chilly, are a lovely place to come for a crisp winter’s walk.”

Waxwings and green woodpeckers have recently been sighted in the grounds.