Visitors to historic East Riddlesden Hall are being led back in time by characters who would have lived at the house in the 17th century.

A merchant and a maid servant are telling visitors how strangers often slept in the same bed, and of the lotions and potions used to cure all ills.

Taking on the role of merchant is Simon Ingram, a student at St Andrew's University studying French and German.

And the maid is enacted by Frances Chabrel, a history graduate of Leeds University, who hopes to make her career in theatre administration.

Assistant National Trust property manager Liz Houseman said: "They tell some fascinating tales about life in the hall.

"Like the maid's role of actually getting into the bed to warm it before the mistress retired. And then the maid sleeping at the foot of the bed in a truckle bed which was stored under the mistress's bed. The master of the house would also often greet guests while he was still in bed in his chamber."

The half-hour costumed tours are running throughout August, starting at 12.30pm, the last at 4pm, every Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. The house is open on Saturday between 1pm and 5pm and between noon and 5pm on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.