THE National Trust is appealing for volunteers to come and welcome visitors and tend gardens at its historic properties in West Devon and East Cornwall.

The trust relies heavily on the support given by volunteers effectively to run such important properties as Buckland Abbey near Yelverton, Cotehele House at St Dominick and Castle Drogo near Drewsteignton.

There are a wide variety of opportunities for volunteers, including stewarding, gardening, artefact conservation, office work and helping with specific events.

The trust is particularly looking for room stewards. They welcome visitors and explain stories behind the houses, in addition to keeping an eye on security.

A volunteer open day will be held at Castle Drogo on Wednesday March 10 between 10.30am and 12.30pm. Anyone interested in volunteer opportunities at Buckland Abbey should call 01822 853607. Cotehele House is in need of room stewards and art gallery volunteers, education group guides, mill and plant sale volunteers ? call 01579 351346.