THE Contemporary Sculpture Park at Newby Hall is open for its second year.

Following the success of last year's inaugural exhibition at the Historic House Association house and gardens near Ripon, owners Richard and Lucinda Compton have planned another show along similar lines.

There are around 40 original exhibits by international sculptors such as Lyn Chadwick, Nicola Hicks, Wendy Taylor and Michael Lyons and, like last year, up-and-coming artists join the established names working in various media.

In addition, Yorkshire sculptor Gillian Brent is creating a collection of site-specific pieces in the orchard area. Gillian, who trained under one of last year's exhibitors, Katherine Gilli, has taken her inspiration from the wrought iron gates that border the orchard and wood.

Lucinda Compton says: "We're very excited that Gillian has agreed to create something especially for the site."

Richard Compton adds: "We hope once again to provide our visitors with a woodland walk with a difference, giving them the chance to see contemporary sculpture in a natural setting."

On show are sculptures by Gillian, Sally Arnup, Carole Andrews, Martyn Barratt, Judith Bluck, Lyn Chadwick, Simon Chadwick, Marzia Colonna, Wendy Earle, Mo Farquharson, Barbara Foster, Nicola Hicks, Thomas Hill, Deirdre Hubbard, David Jacobson, Michael Lyons, Janet MacLeod, Charlotte Mayer, John Mills, Olivia Musgrave, Ros Newman, Dick Onians, Giles Penny, Tessa Pullan, Jane Rickards, Brian Taylor, Wendy Taylor, Jill Tweed and Rob Ward.

The Sculpture Park is open until September 29, daily except Mondays, but including Bank Holidays, from 11am to 5.30pm.

All the exhibits are for sale and many of the sculptors are available for commissions.

Updated: 09:42 Friday, May 17, 2002