THE secret life of the ballot box is coming under scrutiny – and it has nothing to do with the coming General Election.

For many months young people and professional artists in the Ryedale area of North Yorkshire have been attempting to turn decommissioned metal boxes into something extraordinary.

They have seized on the idea with enthusiasm and the resulting works include sculptures, installations, paintings and even musical instruments.

And their work will go on show in the gallery of the Ryedale Folk Museum at Hutton-le-Hole from March 28 to May 17 as an exhibition called Democracy Rocks.

It includes works using printing techniques, ironwork, ceramics and textiles, all from the starting point of a plain metal box.

Ryedale’s democratic services manager, Simon Copley said: “We’re delighted that people have so much to say about democracy.

“The works illustrate how important democracy is and how it is at the heart of everybody’s lives - even though most of us probably wouldn’t think about it on a daily basis.

“The exhibition really encourages everybody to think about issues like freedom, democracy and choice and we hope it will encourage everyone who visits to not only register to vote but to use their vote in the upcoming elections.”

For more details visit ryedalefolk.co.uk