AN exhibition of postcards featuring Anglican clergymen is coming to the former home of eccentric country parson Laurence Sterne.

The vicar wrote the novel, Tristram Shandy, and named his home - in Coxwold, near Easingwold, North Yorkshire - Shandy Hall.

Now the hall is hosting an exhibition of postcards from the first half of the 20th Century.

The exhibition, called We are the People, is currently on display at the National Portrait Gallery in London.

But artist Tom Phillips has picked out a selection of the postcards showing Anglican clergymen, especially for Shandy Hall.

The exhibition is based in the Old Granary Gallery, but has also spread to the rest of the village of Coxwold. Both the Post Office window and the Fauconberg Arms have works on display.

Lynda Powell, museums officer for Hambleton and Richmondshire District Councils, said: "It is a fantastic opportunity for local people to have a major London exhibition on their doorsteps.

"We are delighted that Tom Phillips has made a special selection for our district. As a result of this exhibition we hope more regional and national museums will be encouraged to loan out objects to local museums."

The free exhibition begins tomorrow and runs until June 20. It is open daily except Saturday from 11am until 4.30pm.

Published: 01/05/2004