A GLIMPSE into the past of Norton is on show on this weekend in the town’s council chamber.

The Woodhams-Stone Collection is holding a free exhibition in the building on Saturday, November 1, from 10am to 3pm, focussing on Norton and its rich heritage and giving visitors a rare opportunity to see inside the chamber as well.

Described as a ‘hidden gem’ – the former court house on Commercial Street retains many of the original features including wooden panelling, magistrates seating area and prisoners ‘dock’.

Cataloguing Officer for the Woodhams-Stone Collection Sarah Maultby said: "As part of our Heritage lottery Project we are are holding an open day to let local people see even more items from the collection as we go through the process of digitally recording everything that Sid and John have collected over the past fifty years.

'"The town council chamber, as a significant historic building in the town, is an ideal venue and gives people the chance to have a look at a building they may never have visited before as well as seeing more of the fascinating items from The Woodhams-Stone Collection.

Sarah said the exhibition would feature items from businesses and domestic life in Norton in the past including many postcards and pictures featuring scenes from the town – plus some items that originate from across the river in Malton too.

'We are also keen to speak to anyone locally who would like to volunteer with us to help catalogue the literally thousands of artefacts that the Woodhams-Stone Collection contains," she added.

'It is a really interesting collection and I'm sure that anyone who signs up to help us will be instantly hooked by the range of amazing items we have."

The exhibition is in Norton on Derwent Town Council chamber, 84, Commercial Street, Norton, next to Norton library. Entry is free but donations are welcome towards the costs of running the project.

Anyone who would like to volunteer to help with cataloguing the collection is welcome to call in or phone 01653 228070'.