An historic vacuum cleaner that has been passed down through the family of York MP Hugh Bayley has been donated to a York museum.

The Hoover machine, bought in 1955 by Mr Bayley's grandmother, has served four members of the family.

"It was passed on to her brother in about 1970, and to my sister five years later," said Mr Bayley.

"She gave it to me for my London flat when I was first elected to Parliament in 1992."

The Castle Museum will display the cleaner as part of its Keeping Clean exhibition. It includes laundry equipment, washing machines, irons, toilets and personal hygiene items.

"It's never broken down or had major repairs," said the MP.

"It is a real tribute to British engineering and craftsmanship."

Sandra Bicknell, the head of York museums, said: "What makes the York Castle Museum so special is the ordinary.

"We collect and show things that are everyday and that hold stories of individuals' lives."

Updated: 11:02 Tuesday, June 19, 2001