The joys of childhood will go on show at Ryedale Folk Museum, as seen through visitors' eyes.

Over the Bank Holiday weekend, the museum opened its secret toy box to display toys from yesteryear.

Usually the large collection from the nurseries of previous generations is kept stored away because there is insufficient room to display it.

But the rocking horse, a 19th century version of a 16th century ball game and other delights for children made a rare public appearance as part of an initiative to encourage drawing as a hobby.

Visitors to the museum in Hutton-le-Hole were invited to draw the toys and their work will be displayed at the museum in October.

PICTURE: Jenny Barnes, of the Ryedale Folk Museum, draws some of the old toys at the museum's activity day

Picture: Richard Doughty