EXPERT Keith Matthews is about to unveil some of the secrets of the soldiers of the past.

As curator of military history at the Castle Museum, in York, he will be taking enthusiasts behind-the-scenes at the extensive military collection.

Those taking part will be able to discuss, handle and even try on some of the items from the collection.

The workshop, on Thursday, February 27, at 7.30pm, will be looking at personal protection for soldiers in the past, focusing on armour and its modern equivalents.

"We hope to give people a rare opportunity to handle and try on armour more than 400 years old, and provide a visual demonstration of how armour has been used, and abused, in the past," said Mr Matthews.

Tickets for the event are £4 and can be bought in advance by calling (01904) 553125.