A LOCAL history group is officially opening its new archive room this weekend after raising £14,000 in to build and equip the facility.

Sheriff Hutton History Group raised the money in just 18 months to provide the purpose-built community archive room to preserve its collection.

Group member Meg Ashbridge said although the group had only been set up a couple of years ago, the collection of historic material had been ongoing since 2003.

"Since the death of Alan Farnaby, the inspiration behind starting the archive, it had taken a number of years to start up the collection again," she added.

"Our aims are to collect, record and preserve documents and photographs relevant to Sheriff Hutton in the archive room on the side of the village hall, " she said.

Meg said events and donations from the village community had helped the group raise the total needed.

"Thanks to local builder Richard Turner who has struggled through rain and wind to get the store built on time," she added.

Ann exhibition of selected artefacts will be on display on Saturday, July 26, from 1.30-4.30pm.

"District councillor Eric Hope will welcome everyone for the official opening at 2.30pm by Jean Farnaby in memory of Alan Caleb Farnaby," Meg said.

"Visitors are also asked to act as detectives to identify photographs of residents and events in Sheriff and to bring in photographs, documents relevant to Sheriff for scanning which will then be included in the archives."

Admission is free with refreshments at a small charge. New members are always welcome to join the group. Contact Margaret 01347 878465 or Meg 01347 878136 for further information .