HUNDREDS of rare and historic pieces of history have gone on display as the only museum of its type in Europe opens its doors in York.

The Quilt Museum and Gallery is relocating from Halifax to York and enjoys its grand opening on Saturday.

The museum will be Europe's only museum dedicated exclusively to quilting and textile arts and is expected to attract visitors from across the globe.

It is located at the historic St Anthony's Hall, in Peasholme Green, which will also now become the national headquarters of the Quilters' Guild of the British Isles, an educational charity. It will house the collection of more than 600 items which includes the earliest known signed and dated patchwork, a colourful 1718 silk patchwork, as well as miniatures, quilted clothing, tools and equipment.

For more information on the Quilt Museum visit www.quiltmuseum.org.uk, phone 01904 613242 or email info@quiltmuseum.org.uk