IN the true spirit of the Christmas carol - volunteers at a local museum have been decking the halls with boughs of holly - and other natural foliage.

Amanda Tyas, a volunteer at Oakwell Hall museum and country park in Birstall, explains they used natural foliage from the country park to trim up this historic home for Christmas.

She explains the dressing up of the hall, with items such as fur cones, holly and ivy sourced from around its extensive grounds, is a team effort supported by the Friends of Oakwell Hall along with staff and volunteers.

Amanda says the idea is to 'enhance the visitor experience' and also as a 'nod to the past' when the abode was occupied by the Batt family.

Over recent weeks, the Elizabethan manor has welcomed hundreds of visitors to admire the trimmings and also to attend the recent Christmas fair.

As well as its attraction to visitors, Oakwell Hall is also becoming famous in its own right. appearing in 'The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister,' the BBC's Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, based on Susanna Clarke's best selling novel and, more recently, it was used for filming as part of the BBC drama series - the eight part historical drama 'Gentleman Jack.'

Interestingly, Oakwell Hall was also referred to as 'Fieldhead' in 'Shirley' the novel penned by Charlotte Bronte who visited the manor house during the 19th century.

For more information about forthcoming Christmas events call 01924 324761 or visit kirklees.gov.uk.