ONE of North Yorkshire's most familiar faces turned up to help boost the charity efforts of a stately home in the county.

Veteran actor Ian Carmichael, most recently a star of the Yorkshire TV series The Royal, was with Simon and Rebekah Howard to welcome the NSPCC back to Castle Howard for a charity Christmas fair whose proceeds will help to finance projects in North Yorkshire.

Four years ago the Norton and Villages branch of the NSPCC approached Castle Howard to hold a Christmas Fair at the house, and the annual event has boosted the charity's coffers by about £100,000.

Yorkshire-born actor Mr Carmichael will also be putting in a special appearance at a preview evening on Wednesday, November 3, with his wife, the novelist Kate Fenton.

A star of the golden age of British film, Mr Carmichael is known for his roles alongside Peter Sellers in I'm Alright Jack and as the celebrated Wodehouse character, Bertie Wooster.

"My wife and I are delighted to be attending the NSPCC fair," he said. "What better place to search out some unusual and exciting Christmas presents, than in the beautiful surroundings of Castle Howard?"

Other highlights include a raffle with a top prize of two nights' deluxe accommodation, at the Draycott Hotel London, including theatre tickets and £100 spending money.

Second prize is a luxury hamper from Fine Food Theatre, in Malton, and third prize is dinner for two at the Feathers Hotel, in Helmsley.

The fair opens to everyone from 9.30am until 3.30pm on Thursday, November 4. Admission costs £5.

Projects which will benefit from the proceeds include the York Therapeutic team, Domestic Violence Intervention Service, The Almond Tree, at Catterick Camp, and family centres in Scarborough, Selby, Hull and York.

For details about the NSPCC Christmas Fair, phone the Norton and Villages NSPCC on 01653 697966

Updated: 10:22 Tuesday, October 26, 2004