“OUR stockings and overalls are the best obtainable in the district.”

That’s the message, which will be the main feature in a new Ampleforth artist’s exhibition.

Photographer Lucy Saggers has chosen her neighbour Betty Fox’s 85-year-old jug to be the centrepiece of her new show, which aims to capture the picturesque landscapes across the Ampleforth valley.

Lucy said that the jug, which was given to customers in the 1920s and 1930s by Harry Thompson’s local store, stood out to her because of its slogan.

She said: “I just loved its advertising slogan. And I wanted to capture it in still-life because it is such a lovely momento of the village’s past and will bring back so many wonderful memories to people who were around when Harry Thompson’s store was still trading.”

The jug has been with its owners Betty and her husband, Herbert, at their home in Ampleforth ever since.

Lucy is one of 126 artists across the region, who will be opening their own studio to the public as part of the North Yorkshire Open Studios project.

“My exhibition is very much a celebration of rural life across the Ampleforth valley,” said Lucy.

“I aim to capture the beauty of the rural landscapes, as well as some of the people and places that make this corner of Yorkshire such a special place.”

Lucy will greet guests with a glass of Ampleforth’s famous cider as she opens her home, Ford End House, Ampleforth, on Saturday and Sunday and then on June 14 and 15.

For more information visit lucysaggers.com