AN award-winning country house near Ripon is throwing open its doors for 28-days this spring.

Norton Conyers House will be open from April 27 until May 1, giving visitors a limited chance to enjoy it.

Norton Conyers was recently awarded the 2016 John Whitehead Award by the Ripon Civic Society for the restoration work that Sir James and Lady Graham, the owners, have carried out over many years.

The House was also awarded the Historic Houses Association and Sothebys Restoration Award in 2014.

A new added attraction will be the opening of an exhibition of vintage garden tools, all of museum quality.

They have been collected during 40 years by Robert Addyman who will also give talks about his exhibition. Entrance to the garden and the talks are free. Admission is from 2pm to 5pm.