OWNERS of an idyllic five-acre garden have declared it a mobile telephone-free zone when they open it as a peaceful escape from the hurly burly of modern day living.

The gardens at Old Sleningford, Mickley, near Ripon, will open to raise cash for the charity as a quiet garden on July 30 and August 13.

For years, now, the gardens, owned by James Ramsden, a former defence minister, and his wife Juliet, have been raising thousands for charity. But there have been no restrictions on telephone chatter.

Mrs Ramsden, whose husband is a former Conservative MP for Harrogate, said: "We don't have mobile phones ourselves - and we don't want one. They always seem to ring at the most inappropriate times.

"So when we were asked to open up as a quiet garden we decided mobile telephones must not be allowed. I'm afraid if people come with a mobile phone they'll just have to get in the car and go home again."

The grounds of Old Sleningford boasts a walled garden, an old mill pond, woodland and sweeping lawns. The gardens tumble down to the banks of the River Ure between the tiny village of Mickley and West Tanfield.

Money raised from the two quiet days will be donated to Holy Rood House, a pastoral care home, at Sowerby, near Thirsk.