Helmsley ’s life of yesteryear has been revived in a new exhibition of historic photographs dating from the 1890s.

The pictures, which also feature several villagers around the market town, are from the Helmsley Archive, a collection of more than 7,000 images which, during the last three years, have been scanned, digitised and catalogues.

The archive began when the late John Collier, a well-known local resident, bequeathed his collection to the council.

Martin Vander Weyer, the town council chairman and leader of the Helmsley Arts Centre where the exhibition is being held, said: "This provoked much interest in the town and also prompted many Helmsley residents to contribute their own photographs and memories.

“Since 2008 the archive has more than doubled in size and a significant bank of information has been amasssed, contributing greatly to the knowledge and understanding of Helmsley’s history during the last 150 years.”

With continued support from the town council and help from the North York Moors National Park Authority, the images have been displayed in a series of themed exhibitions on Ryedale’s plays and pageants, journeys, school days, and life in the district . The exhibition runs until Friday, August 31, 10am-3pm, Tuesday to Friday, and 11am-3pm on Sundays. Admission is free.