AN unusual opportunity to view a little-known treasure in the North of England is being offered by the Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Railway.

On Saturday, September 1, the Bishop of Carlisle is throwing open Rose Castle, in the village of Dalston, his magnificent house and home to his predecessors for the last 777 years.

On display will be some of his own railway photographs and the attractive grounds will also be thrown open to visitors on that day.

The programme will run from 10.30am until 4pm and all visitors will be encouraged to enjoy the Bishop's tour of his home, followed by an illustrated lecture by Giggleswick's Bill Mitchell.

He will speak about the development of the line and its influence upon Carlisle and its consequential prosperity.

A carnival luncheon will then be followed by a concert in The Bishop's Chapel, by a chamber choir from Long Preston, who will be singing songs representative of the many centuries of Rose Castle's long history.

Sponsored by Northern, the train company operating the line, together with generous support from Booth's, proceeds will be devoted to the refurbishing of the station master's house at Ribblehead, spiritual heart of the line.

Edward Album, chairman of the trustees, said: "The trust is enormously grateful to the Bishop for making all this possible."

Tickets are now available from Philip Johnston, Town Head House, Long Preston, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 4QH (please enclose a stamped, addressed envelope).