EASTNOR Castle is expecting at least several thousand visitors over two days, when it throws open its gates for Easter.

Marking the beginning of a new tourist season, the castle will open on Sunday, April 20 and Bank Holiday Monday, from 11am to 5pm.

Castle spokesman, Ben Leeke said: "Certainly Easter is one of our busiest periods, in terms of visitors numbers, when people who have been thinking about us over winter finally come along."

Though the castle and grounds, as always, have been closed for the winter, Mr Leeke revealed that many people had phoned hoping to visit, during the sunny weather of February and March.

The highlight of the Easter weekend will be a family treasure hunt, featuring the Eastnor Easter bunny.

Visitors of all ages will be asked to look out for a mysterious man-sized Easter bunny, as they follow a trail of cryptic clues laid out around the castle and its extensive grounds.

The Easter bunny has already been out for a practice run, much to the delight of youngsters from Eastnor Primary School, who were sent out to spot him.

Mr Leeke said: "They were spellbound!"

Each child taking part in the treasure hunt will receive a chocolate bunny, and the top prize for one lucky family, on each day, will be a two-foot high chocolate bunny, made by local chocolatiers, Cromwells of Upton.

Following the Easter launch, the castle and grounds will be open every Sunday, until July, when it will be open every day of the week, except Saturday.

Entry to the Easter treasure hunt will be £15.50 for a family of two adults and two children. Individual entry is £6 for adults, £5.50 for senior citizens and £3.50 for children aged under 15.