THESE chickens are just one of the exhibits on display at the Newby Hall Sculpture Park, near Ripon.

Now in its seventh year, the open-air exhibition of contemporary sculpture will this year be complemented by an exhibition of paintings.

Established by Lucinda Compton, wife of the present owner and herself a professional furniture restorer, the sculpture park continues a 250-year tradition of displaying sculpture at Newby. The sculptures are in many materials including bronze, stone, glass and wood.

Ann Petherick, owner of York's Kentmere House Gallery, was invited to provide the hall with a painting exhibition. The Northern Colour exhibition has brought together artists of national repute.

Sixty sculptures and 40 paintings will be on display in and around the woodland, gardens and buildings.

The sculpture park is open until September 30.