ONE of North Yorkshire best-known buildings has been "shortlisted" for a television competition to find Britain's favourite stately home.

Castle Howard, near Malton, is one of only 12 stately homes chosen by a panel of experts for the Channel 5 search to find which is the nation's "number one".

The home of the Hon Simon Howard, it is no stranger to television fame, having been used in the classic 1980s version of Brideshead Revisited.

Castle Howard will compete against such famous names as Hampton Court and Blenheim Palace.

Channel 5 will also seek to find the country's top ancient monument, pitting the likes of Stonehenge and Hadrian's Wall against each other.

The public are being asked to vote for their favourites, and the winners will be announced in two 90-minute programmes to be broadcast on Five this summer.

Nicole Hingley, from Castle Howard, said: "They came for a 'reccy' recently and are hoping to film at the beginning of April.

"We are quite excited about it, and are hoping it will give us a boost with visitor numbers."

Ros Ereira, from production company Lion Television, added: "What made it stand out was the fact that it's an ongoing family home."

Former Antiques Roadshow presenter Hugh Scully will count down the top ten stately homes.

He said: "These are the great treasure houses of Britain, and it is no wonder that millions of people come from all over the world to enjoy this unique part of our heritage."

The public can vote via the Five website and by phoning or texting the numbers listed in this week's Radio Times.

Updated: 10:32 Tuesday, March 11, 2003