A museum will celebrate its 40th anniversary this month.

Beck Isle Museum of Rural Life, in Pickering, was the country's first agricultural college when it was opened by William Marshall in 1818.

From 1919 to1966 it was owned by a doctor, who used part of the building as his surgery.

The museum, owned by the Beck Isle Museum Trust, came into being after his death.

The house and grounds contain a collection of items relating largely to the crafts and lifestyle of rural Ryedale.

Noted for its collection of photographs by Sidney Smith, the museum also boasts a Columbian printing press, built in 1854, and restored to working order.

It also has a blacksmith's forge, originally from a farm at High Cawthorn, which was restored and is operated by the museum's blacksmith.

The museum is staffed and operated by about 100 volunteers, a paid part-time chairman and a board of trustees.

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the museum will hold a free access day to visitors on Saturday. For its volunteers there will be a celebratory meal at the Memorial Hall.

Some founder members of the trust will be at the meal, including Gordon Clitheroe.

Beck Isle Museum is open daily from March to the end of October, from 10am to 5pm, last entry at 4.30pm.