A TREASURE trove of artefacts, usually off limits to the public, will go on show.

English Heritage is holding free tours of its northern archaeology store, in Helmsley, North Yorkshire.

The centre is home to more than 800,000 artefacts, ranging from prehistoric flints and medieval stained glass to arrow bolts. Items also include stonework from Hadrian’s Wall and Rievaulx Abbey and a panel from Furnace Abbey, in Cumbria, depicting the Creation of Eve.

Among the strangest items on show will be lifesize statues depicting a wild man and his wife, from the 17th Century.

The wild man image was taken from the coat of arms of the Middleton family, whose seat was Belsay Castle, Northumberland.

The free tours take place at 11am, 1pm and 3pm on April 27, May 25, June 29, July 27, September 28 and October 26. To book, call 01439-770442. The tours are wheelchair accessible.