NORTH Yorkshire folk have been digging deep into their kitchen cupboards to unearth a mass of old household products.

Tins of polish and cleaning substances, along with jars, tins and packets of groceries and drink, have been donated to The World of James Herriot, in Thirsk, for a new exhibition opening later this month.

The display will celebrate iconic domestic brands from the past to the present day.

However, there is still one item desperately needed by the Thirsk centre - a tin of Second World War Spam.

Centre staff have managed to locate a duplicate tin wrapper for the spiced ham - which was a huge favourite during the war years - but would love to find an original tin.

Exhibition co-ordinator Irene McNulty said: "The Spam museum in America has sent us a duplicate tin wrapper, but I would love to find an original. There must be one somewhere in North Yorkshire. Local people have come up trumps for us with this exhibition. They have been able to provide us with some very rare exhibits.

"Packaging is normally thrown away and, although it was not very colourful during the 1930s and 1940s, it was very distinctive."

She said boxes of Robin Starch, Reckitts Blue, Parkinson's Furniture Polish and Zebra Grate Polish will be on show alongside Kieller marmalade, Huntley and Palmer biscuits, Co-op tea, Nescaf coffee and Horlicks.

And Victorian and Edwardian packaging has been loaned to the centre by the London-based Museum Of Brands, Packaging And Advertising.

"The exhibition will show how packaging has changed over the years," Ms McNulty said.

"It will bring back many memories of old favourites as well as showing how many brands we have been using for the past century."

The exhibition opens on January 27 and runs until May 21.

A preview and talk will be held on January 25, from 4pm to 6pm. The session costs £5, and booking on 01845 524234 is essential.