A COUPLE of Victorian carpet beaters are the latest items to be donated to a 17th Century stately home.

They will play a small yet vital role in a set of Victorian loan boxes being developed at Kiplin Hall, Scorton, near Richmond, for use by local primary schools.

The boxes are part of an education programme developed at the hall to help children to understand life as it was years ago.

Once enough material has been collected for the boxes, they will be distributed to eight schools in the area along with a support pack for teachers.

Kiplin Hall administrator Dawn Webster said: "The loan boxes and information packs will prepare the children before they actually come to the hall and take part in the special activities here.

"If the scheme is successful, we hope that it will be extended and used by schools right across the county."

The activity sessions and loan boxes have been funded with a £5,000 award from the Yorkshire Museums Council education programme. Schools involved in the programme include those in Richmond, Northallerton, Brompton and Ingleby Arncliffe.

As well as the carpet beaters, donated by retired hall volunteer Barry Cooper, many other Victorian items are still needed to fill the boxes.

"We are looking for anything from stone hot water bottles to flat irons to help educate children in domestic Victorian living," said Ms Webster.

"This is something new for the hall and it is terribly exciting. I have had a lot of support from both volunteers working here and teachers.