On two early mornings in October, an iconic artistic creation will gleam brightly as the sun rises and throws its rays across a representation of the sun, suspended within the ruined nave of the atmospheric Fountains Abbey. A sight not to be missed and well worth an early start.

On the mornings of Saturday and Sunday, October 4th & 5th and then again on the following weekend, Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th, the abbey ruins will be opened early for visitors to enjoy a special event as they experience the silence of an early morning before the dawn chorus of nature breaks out, the sun climbs in the sky and the sculpture, called "Helios" to symbolise the ancient, mythological, Greek Sun God, seemingly starts to come alive.

Pre-booking is required, even for National Trust members, and parking will be at West Gate car park only. Breakfast sandwiches and hot drinks will be available for purchase.

To book your ticket, please click here.

The sculpture is the work of Luke Jerram, a British installation artist, who creates sculptures, large artwork installations and live arts projects. His seven-metre spherical sculpture of the sun combines light, solar imagery and sounds recorded by NASA to bring the sun's intricate details into a new light. It is being displayed at Fountains as part of a nationwide tour.

And if sunrise just seems too early, on the evenings of October 4th, 5th, 11th & 12th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. the abbey will be specially opened so that "Helios" can be viewed at sunset. Pre-booking, with a staggered timeslot for entry, is required. Last entry is 8 p.m. To book tickets for the evening event please click here.

And don't forget, if you do go and capture some stunning images, please send them in to the website.