Restored castle opens after fire

Firefighters spent two days putting out the blaze

A North Yorkshire stately home which was ravaged by fire two years ago is to fully reopen to the public.

The entire roof and first floor of the 19th Century Allerton Castle near Knaresborough collapsed in the blaze in January 2005.

More than 100 firefighters tackled the blaze at its height and almost a third of the building was destroyed.

Visitors are invited to see the restoration work which is still under way at the Grade I listed building.

Organised tours have been previously given of the stately home, but for the first time the building will reopen for visitors who can drop in unannounced throughout the day.

Tour guide Dorothy Savage said: "It is lovely to see it getting back in shape."