A royal guest will be visiting some of the gems of North Yorkshire's heritage as part of Royal Tourism Day.

The Duke of Kent will visit Fountains Abbey and the Studley Royal estate, near Harrogate, on Tuesday, June 10.

Members of the National Trust will welcome him as he meets volunteers who help care for some of the 300,000 visitors the site receives annually.

Property manager Chris Fowler said: "I am delighted to welcome the Duke of Kent to the Fountains estate, during such an important year for us as we celebrate 20 years of National Trust ownership. The history of tourism at Fountains dates back to the 1600s and continues to play an important role in the local economy. It is very encouraging to receive the support of the royal family in recognising the important role tourism plays throughout Britain today."

Pupils from Hampsthwaite Primary School, near Harrogate, will also meet the Duke as they take part in an education project creating monastic tiles.

The Duke will later visit Newby Hall, near Ripon, to view an eye-catching 50-piece modern sculpture park at the woodland walk. He will also be shown the refurbished water cascades powered by environmentally-friendly solar panels and some of the family home's 25 acres of gardens.

Owner Robin Compton said: "The sculptures originate from all over the UK and combine to make a stunning and thought-provoking experience in a beautiful mature woodland.

"It is planned that the Duke will also take a ride on the miniature railway and a stroll through the herbaceous borders, which are really coming into their prime at the moment."

Updated: 10:37 Monday, June 02, 2003