A couple are throwing open the doors of their home-to-be this weekend to satisfy the curiosity of friends and colleagues.

Bob and Carole Smithies have been swamped with questions about the detached pad, newly built in the grounds of their existing house.

So the couple -- who have still to furnish and decorate the three-bedroom property, which they hope to move into next month -- are opening up to the public.

And the house warming with a difference will boost charity.

Visitors are being asked to make a donation, with all proceeds going to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance service. There will also be a raffle and refreshments.

Since building work began on the new house, at 31A Thornhill Road, Steeton, in early March, curiosity has grown.

Carole, a part-time hairdresser, said: "Lots of people have been asking about it.

"Now we've said that as it is virtually complete you can have a look, but you will have to pay! We thought this would be a fun way of raising some money for a worthwhile cause. The idea has just grown.

"Raffle prizes have been donated and trades people who worked on the house have contributed.

"We don't know how many people will turn up. It is being quite widely advertised around the village and at Airedale Hospital, where Bob works as a porter, so there should be quite a good number."

The couple,who are both in their mid 50s, are selling their current house, which they have occupied for four-and-a-half years.

Carole added: "The garden was too large, so what better way to solve that than to build on it!"

The new house will be open from 2-4pm tomorrow and on Sunday.