The family of William Wordsworth are inviting volunteers to come and work in the gardens at the poet’s former home.

Wordsworth himself planned and started designing the gardens at Rydal Mount, north of Ambleside, where he lived for most of his life.

The head gardener Helen Green and her team have been working to his plans as they restore, develop and care for the grounds.

The Westmorland Gazette: The gardens of Wordsworth need to be cared for by volunteersThe gardens of Wordsworth need to be cared for by volunteers (Image: Eileen Jones)

Christopher Wordsworth Andrew, descendant of Wordsworth, said: "We would now like to invite anyone who would like to volunteer here for a few hours a week.

"Many people love spending time here - we don’t need expertise, we just want enthusiasm and a love of spending some time here in this very special place."

Anyone interested is asked to email chris@rydalmount.co.uk.