THE traditional museum order of "Do Not Touch" is about to be abandoned at the National Railway Museum in York.

On June 23, from 2pm to 8.30pm, they will be encouraging people to handle the artefacts at their annual Please Touch event.

The programme of activities is particularly aimed at visitors with disabilities.

There will be the opportunity to touch, hear, see and explore the shapes, sounds, textures, and materials from the museum's collection.

Short theatre performances, complete with sign-language interpreter, will allow people to enjoy From the Pen of Fanny Kemble, a play about Stephenson's Rocket, as well as The 10am, which tells the tale of Flying Scotsman.

There will be a display called Trains, Planes and Automobiles, created at Henshaws Society for Blind People in Knaresborough, and featuring tactile exhibits.

There will also be a new interactive prototype with sensors, object-handling sessions, storytelling, a giant trains-and-tracks board game, talks, demonstrations, and train rides.

Published: 17/06/2005