COOKING through the ages and a trip to the cinema are highlights of a new exhibition which opened in Malton this week.

Led by the Woodhams-Stone Collection working with Malton Museum, the collection provides a fascinating glimpse of the many cinemas that once existed in Malton and Norton, alongside a selection of kitchenalia through the ages.

Also making their first public appearance since they were donated to the Woodhams-Stone Collection by the Rawlings family, is an extensive collection of coopering tools used by Malton’s last surviving cooper Digby Rawlings.

Woodhams-Stone Collection Project Manager, Sarah Maultby said: “The display will include many of Digby's tools, including his work bench plus some of the things he made whilst working for Russells brewery in Malton, such as the last barrel he made and a copy of the wooden tankard from the wreck of the Mary Rose. "Digby was well known to many people locally who I am sure will enjoy reading all about his life at the exhibition."

Sarah added: “We are also featuring a display of kitchen furniture, appliances and equipment from the inter-war years which illustrates the changes that took place during the early 20th century in domestic design and technology including the decline in domestic servants and the expansion and promotion of branded goods.

“Once again the Woodhams-Stone Collection has been able to bring some fascinating items out of our store to put on public display for the first time in the town which really bring alive the story of Malton and Norton through the decades”.

Malton Museum has contributed finds from a Roman kitchen and a display on Malton’s part in the Magna Carta story.

The exhibition is open in the Milton Room's Subscription Rooms, Yorkersgate, Malton, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 3pm and entry is free, but donations are welcome towards the running costs of future exhibitions and activities.