AT the halfway stage of what is proving to be a tightly fought competition, Parcevall Hall Gardens, at Skyreholme, is currently well placed in the race to be named Historic Houses 'garden of the year'.

The gardens are currently in the top three of the competition, sponsored by Christie's, with voting so tight it could come down to a single vote.

Parcevall’s head gardener, Phill Nelson said: “Everyone has been so supportive in casting votes for us, and whilst being delighted to have moved up into the top three competitors, it is certainly becoming a bit tense here with so little to choose in numbers of votes between us and the other two leading gardens. "To currently be placed a clear third from a total of eight shortlisted finalists is fantastic, but being so close to first place, which is our ultimate ambition, well that would be a wonderful achievement.

"We so much want to claim this award, not only as recognition for the gardens, but also for our visitors and ultimately for Yorkshire."

Voting is open until September 30. To vote, go to:www.historichouses.org/vote. The winner will be announced at the Historic Houses AGM in November.

Parcevall Hall Gardens will be open for the current season every day until the end of October.

Other finalists include Abbotsford, Melrose;Pashley Manor Gardens, East Sussex; Grimsthorpe Castle Gardens, Lincolnshire, and Mount Ephraim Gardens, Kent.