FESTIVITIES are in full swing at the National Trust's Kingston Lacy near Wimborne.

A team of volunteer carpenters have been busy crafting a herd of wooden reindeer, which now take up residence around the garden and parkland over the Christmas period for visitors to enjoy.

As well as creating 21 reindeer for the estate, the team of 10 strong carpenters have worked tirelessly since October to make 400 reindeer that are sold in the shop at Kingston Lacy alongside 100 wooden Christmas trees, and 80 wooden snowmen each with scarves knitted by other volunteers at the property.

They have been making reindeer for Kingston Lacy Christmases for the last five years.

Volunteer carpenter Dave Scattergood said: "We are very lucky to have access to a well-equipped carpentry workshop at a farm on the Kingston Lacy estate.

"All of us have come from very different career backgrounds and come and volunteer here because we love the work and the company.

"Christmas is a busy time for us and we welcome the rest in January but it’s always very rewarding to see visitors to the house and gardens enjoying the fruits of our labours."

The effort by those volunteering their time to create a magical Christmas at Kingston Lacy is not limited to the carpenters.

A team of volunteers have also created the textile birds that adorn the tree in the saloon, the principal art gallery in the house with nearly 50 paintings displayed there.

The inspiration for the birds and the material used was taken from the saloon’s 16th Century hand painted celling by Cornelius Dixon.

Local WIs and flower clubs have also given their time to create the wonderful floristry decorations for the coach house, shop and laundry.

And 12 local school and community choirs will be adding their voices to the Christmas soundscape at Kingston Lacy on various dates running up to Christmas.

Open from now until January 1, the house at Kingston Lacy has been transformed with traditional decorations inspired by the Victorian Christmases that were celebrated by the Bankes family.