RESIDENTS have been urged to help celebrate the 150th anniversary of Selby Town Hall, with a special exhibition next month.

The town hall first opened as a Primitive Methodist Church on October 10, 1862, at a time when the American Civil War was being fought, Lewis Carroll first wrote Alice In Wonderland, and Thomas Cook organised the very first package holiday.

The town council wants to share memories and family stories involving the building, with an exhibition of photographs and information to reflect what the building has meant to the public.

Councillor Steve Shaw-Wright said: “Over the years the building has been used for a variety of occasions from wedding breakfasts, to funeral teas and everything in-between. We have a growing archive of documents and photographs of the building and the uses it has been put to, what we would like is for people to have a look in the tin of old photographs, that we all have, see if the Methodist Church or town hall is there, or look at any old documents they may have and bring them along to the town hall event.”

The town council bought and restored the former church in 1992, and thousands of people have regularly attended gigs, talks and other events there since.

Karen Mann, Town Clerk, said: “There will be a display of photographs, memorabilia and a slide show depicting the events and changes to the building in the 150 years since being built, this will be between noon and 4pm on October 10, with refreshments available.”

Anything who would like to exhibit should contact the Town Council or phone 01757 708449.