THE National Trust team at Kingston Lacy is looking to fill a host of volunteer roles at its recruitment event this weekend.

As the summer season approaches the attraction is preparing for growing visitor numbers.

Volunteer development manager Jo Edmond said: "Volunteering is a great way to meet new people to help out across a number of different areas.

"Last year Kingston Lacy welcomed record numbers of visitors and is developing ambitious plans for the years ahead.

"Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, make new friends, learn new skills and know that you're helping a great cause."

The Kingston Lacy estate, covering 8,500-acres, has more than 500 volunteers working across all departments.

Recruits needed include restaurant volunteers, gardeners, events volunteers, visitor welcome volunteers, walk leaders, room guides and farm volunteers.

Jo added: "Kingston Lacy is a wonderful place and the volunteers help to bring it alive, care for it and make every visitor feel like a privileged guest of the Bankes' family.

"From working in the background tending the plants and maintaining the grounds, to meeting visitors and leading walks, there are roles to suit everyone."

Alex Shaw, who has been volunteering at Kingston Lacy for five years, says she's enjoyed every minute of her time at the National Trust attraction.

"I have made so many friends, met many different people, learnt a lot and become part of a great team," she said. "Having been self-employed for my whole life, in retirement it is lovely to do something different to your career path."

The volunteer recruitment weekend is being held at Kingston Lacy on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June, from 11am-3pm, each day.

Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy for more information.

For those who cannot make the event but would still like to volunteer at Kingston Lacy contact Jo Edmund via kingstonlacy@nationaltrust.org.uk or call her on 01202 883402.