A FASCINATING piece of history came back home recently when a 19th-century cross-stitch was returned to the school where it was created.

Mary Lazenby, the admin officer at Bishop Wilton Primary in York, was recently called by a lady to say that she had seen the sampler - made by ten-year-old Kate Banks in 1880 - on sale in an antiques shop in Selby.

She contacted the shop to reserve the item and was told that it had come from a house clearance sale in the nearby village of Breighton.

Mary, who is now trying to find out more about the little girl, said: "We are very proud and happy to have a piece of history back in our school all these years later - if only it could talk."

She would love to hear from readers if they have any further information. Please call 01759 368 313.