THE childhood memories of three Dorset siblings has inspired this year's Christmas preparations at Kingston Lacy.

The National Trust team of staff and volunteers at the Pamphill estate used Gleanings from Schoolroomland, a homemade story book penned by Daphne, Viola and Ralph Bankes, to influence their decorations.

Lists and letters prepared more than 100 years ago by the children's mother, Henrietta Bankes, were also used by the team.

The house steward discovered an album of Christmas cards and postcards sent to the children while sorting through the storage rooms at Kingston Lacy.

In her memoirs, Viola remembered the cards as being one of her favourite parts of Christmas.

In addition, part of the state room floor will open for the first time over Christmas so visitors can explore rooms usually closed to the public in December, including the saloon, the dining room and the Spanish room.

Holly, mistletoe and ivy used as part of the festive decorations has been grown at the estate.

The annual light display will take place in the gardens on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays before Christmas, as well as every day between Christmas and the new year.

For more information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy.