A portrait of Saddam Hussein, taken from one of the Iraqi dictator's palaces during the recent Gulf War, went on display this weekend.

The Regimental Musuem of the Royal Dragoon Guards, in York, is exhibiting the picture of Saddam in military uniform after it was seized by Allied troops following the fall of Basra.

Curator Captain Alan Henshall said: "We are really pleased to have it here as there are only a handful of paintings taken last year from Iraq in this country.

"I think it will prove to be a popular addition."

The rules of war state that military objects used by Iraqi forces could be brought back to UK museums to prevent them being looted.

Other recovered items include helmets, gas masks and bayonets, which have been divided among nearly 150 museums.

The display of the painting coincided with a residents first weekend, which allowed people living in York free entry to a number of the city's attractions.

Published: 26/01/2004