FRIENDLY, chatty people are being recruited to help re-open Hughenden Manor as it gears up for 2008.

The former home of dandy Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli is getting ready for its March 1 opening after being closed over the winter, but it needs more volunteers to give visitors a great day out.

The National Trust, which owns the Georgian stately home, is also expanding its tours and services available to visitors, so needs more hands to help out.

Annabel Douglas, house manager, said: "I think we're getting more and more popular year on year and we're offering new things such as garden tours and we're opening up the basement in the manor."

Garden and house tour guides, room stewards and introductory speakers are all needed to help with the home's re-opening, but there are also opportunities for green fingered residents to get their hands dirty in the garden.

Annabel added: "We're looking for people who are fairly outgoing. We give everyone training they just have to be willing to learn and friendly."

Anyone keen to help out should call the estate office on 01494 755573 and say they are interested in volunteering.