SPRING may have arrived late but the blossom is about to bloom at Lower Brockhampton.

The historic estate opened its doors last weekend, so visitors could see it at its springtime best.

Available were recipe cards with ideas for cooking with damsons, while the Granary shop and award-winning Old Apple Store tea-room had Brockhampton damson jam for sale.

For the younger visitors, there were craft sessions in the family activity room, where the children had a go at creating their own blossom pictures.

Visitor services manager Susan Brace said: "The damsons will be ripe and ready for picking in the autumn, so we hope visitors who came along and enjoyed the display of blossom will return to our Damson Weekend in September."

The house and tearoom are open from 12pm to 5pm, Wednesday to Sunday. The estate is open daily all year round during daylight hours. Admission to the house is £4 adults, £2 children and free for National Trust members.

For further information call 01885 488099 or 01885 482077.