A MURKY past is highlighted by an ancient lavatory in a Millennium exhibition which has been two years in the pipeline.

Burton-in-Lonsdale spent much of the 1800s suffering dire levels of sanitation - and high death rates.

A public health report in 1884 declared it was time the village got to grips with its open drains.

Clerk to the parish council and creator of the exhibition plan Susan Gregory explained how sewers and drinking water at the time were in perilously close proximity.

The main well lay just below the graveyard.

Visitors to the Village Hall display, which opens tomorrow (Saturday), can see one of the earliest loos.

The tippler collected water from kitchen slopstones for flushing.

Many villagers have been involved in putting the extensive show together.

The exhibition boasts 300 pictures, some depicting the 13 potteries which have helped shaped Burton's history.

A commemorative booklet has been produced.

Organisers have even been able to come up with details of all Burton-in-Lonsdale's World War One fatalities.

Supported by Millennium Awards for All, the North Yorkshire Small Project Fund, the Ewecross Historical Society and Burton-in-Lonsdale Parish Council, the exhibition will run from September 23 to 30.

Details are available from Susan Gregory on 015242-62863.