VOLUNTEERS are needed for the re-opening of Snowshill Manor - one of the biggest tourist attractions of the Cotswolds - next month.

The Broadway manor which has been closed over the winter season for essential conservation work to take place.

The 13 members of permanent staff are looking forward to welcoming visitors once more.

Property assistant Toby Hawks said: "We had over 100,000 people here last year, which was rewarding but exhausting. Now we're all ready to get stuck in again. It's just too quiet at the moment."

In previous years visitors have been shown around Snowshill Manor by a team of volunteers."

Jenny Rowley, house steward at Snowshills Manor, said: "As a charity we rely heavily on our superb team of volunteers without them we just couldn't open."

Charles Paget Wade who left Snowshill Manor with its remarkable collection of over 22,000 pieces of crafted work to the National Trust did not want any of his collection to be labelled. It was his home and he did not want it to be seen as a museum.

Volunteers who work at the manor or room guides, as they are better known, are stationed in each room to answer visitor queries.

Snowshill Manor is seeking enthusiastic room guides as well as people to help out in the garden and in the restaurant.

The manor is open from Wednesdays to Sundays from noon until 4.30pm. If you are able to devote a day to helping the National Trust then go along to the volunteer open day held next Monday.

For more information contact the property assistant on 01386 842814.