THE magic of Christmas past has been recreated at Lydiard House, courtesy of talented floristry students from Wiltshire College, Lackham.

And yesterday they were putting the finishing touches to floristry displays with origins dating from 1740 to 1940.

This is the first time that students have taken up the challenge to design floral displays reflecting various periods of history in the house.

Each room has been decorated in a different style. For example, the library is full of Victorian decor including a topiary tree, ribbons suspended between book cases, and a large informal log arrangement on the hearth.

Students aged between 17 and 50 have been working on the creative project since September by researching household influences at different periods in history.

All the work has been done voluntarily in their spare time and in addition to their normal studies.

Anne Paisley, programme leader for floristry at Wiltshire College Lackham, said: "It is amazing how warm the house feels after our students have decorated it. The pleasure on the students faces when they see it completed makes all the hard work worthwhile."

The Country House Christmas display is open to the public from December 1 to 31 and tickets for the Country House Christmas tour costs £3 entry including refreshments.

The house is open daily from 10am-4pm during the winter months, and on Sunday from 2pm-5pm.

Basic entry to the house costs £1.40 for adults and 70 pence for under-15s while entry is free for under-fives.

Call Swindon 770401 for more information.

www.swindon.gov.uk