A SUPERB outdoor experience in a picturesque and tranquil setting is promised on Saturday at The Stables on the Baronscourt Estate as the local parish church hosts a day-long antiques and collectables fair.

The fair, which gets underway at 10.30am, is boosted by the opening of the beautiful Castle Gardens to the public from 1pm and the afternoon appearance of popular BBC Radio Foyle entertainer, Hugo Duncan.

Hugo will be on stage for two hours recording an outside broadcast. He will offer visitors the opportunity of having their requests played on air and also of greeting friends and relatives on later shows. Those brave enough to confront the 'Wee man from Strabane' may also be interviewed.

Throughout the day a host of stalls will vie for custom with a spectacular range of items from a bygone age on show. Porcelain, ruby glass, clocks, brass, jewellery, oil lamps, paintings, books, cushions, fabric and plush toys, 'kitchenalia', ceramics, old tools and small pieces of furniture will all feature along with varied other collectables.

A spokeswoman for Baronscourt Parish Church Select Vestry said: "When we have promoted the event in the past it has always proved a big hit with the public. We are delighted that the Duke and Duchess of Abercorn have once again permitted us to stage it and to open the Castle Gardens for four hours.

" I would urge people to come along early and enjoy a great family day out. A small admission charge of £2 is payable and will provide up to seven hours of friendship, browsing, entertainment and sightseeing. Where else would you get it?"

Entrance to the estate, which closes at 5pm, is off the B84 Drumquin to aronscourt road, adjacent to the gate lodge three miles from Newtownstewart.