AN award-winning museum has been given a rare piece of breathing apparatus used by asthmatic children during the Second World War.

The gas mask is the first of its kind to go on display at the Eden Camp Museum, a former prisoner-of-war camp near Malton.

In remarkable condition, it was worn over the heads and shoulder, and had a lever on its side so that air could be continually pumped in.

Museum Director Steve Jaques said: "The mask is practically new. It has never been taken out of its box.

"Visitors often come here and realise they have something back at home they would like to donate, or loan, to the museum to put on display. The owner of the mask did just that."

Eden Camp exhibits a range of gas masks, including the children's Mickey Mouse version, which is bright red unlike adults' masks, which are grey.

Also on display is the baby gas mask, with a metal framed structure that would have been placed completely around the body.

As with the asthmatics gas mask, a pump would have been used by parents to allow air to pass through the filter.

The newly acquired mask will go on show in the New Year. Mr Jaques would like to hear from anyone who has more information about its use, and can be contacted at the museum on (01659) 697777.