SCAFFOLDING has been removed from a North Yorkshire tourist attraction at the end of a nine-month conservation scheme.

The north frontage of Beningbrough Hall, owned by the National Trust, has been undergoing restoration over the winter, with its main features - horses’ heads carved from magnesian limestone - returned to their former glory after being weather-beaten and damaged over 300 years.

The process was carried out by Cliveden Conservation, following a donation from the Wolfson Foundation, and came after work on the hall’s south bridge and door-casing last summer.

Using pictures from the trust’s archive and Country Life magazine, a clay mould of the heads was created and carved and lime mortar used to complete the work.

Bad weather meant the scheme at the hall’s north front slightly overran its original six-week schedule, but the restored entrance will be revealed to the public in time for Easter.

House manager Caroline Hill said: “It really is fantastic to have the main entrance restored to its original state, and whatever the Yorkshire weather throws at it, we hope it will last for at least the next 300 years.”