EAST Lancashire's historic Elizabethan mansion Gawthorpe Hall is looking for volunteers to help look after it and show it off to visitors.

The Padiham stately home already has a team of part-time helpers assisting at the Grade 1 Listed building and with its collections.

Now the is an an opportunity for enthusiastic new recruits to join up.

Volunteer roles available include being a room steward, providing visitors with information about the history of the hall, the family and the items in the rooms.

During the winter months when the Padiham mansion is closed, volunteers can help out with the care and maintenance regime.

Volunteers need to be over 18 and able to give time on a Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

The times that people work are organised with them to fit with their lives.

Volunteers are especially needed at weekends, from March to November.

Full training and support, travel expenses and refreshments are provided.

Julie Bell, head of culture at Lancashire County Council which manages the building and ground on behalf of the National Trust, said: "Gawthorpe Hall is wonderful historic building to be a volunteer at.

"They can lend a hand with many tasks, depending on their own interests.

"I hope that as many people as possible take the opportunity to get involved."

Gawthorpe Hall volunteer, Pam James said: "I've been a volunteer here for a while now. This is great for me as I enjoy talking to people, and sharing the history of this fabulous Hall with them. "