A PRESTIGIOUS collection of antique lace was given a rare unveiling to a select group in Burnley.

The lace work - which is second only to the collection in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London - was brought out for a viewing at Gawthorpe Hall today.

Just 40 people from the Friends of Gawthorpe Hall were invited to see the collection of about 100 pieces of lace from the 16th Century to the present day.

The collection is usually kept locked away to prevent it being damaged by light.

Members of the friends' group were invited to a talk by lace enthusiast Diane Darybshire and were then allowed to handle the rare exhibits.

The collection was started by the daughter of the last owners of the hall, the late Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth who was a lace maker and enthusiast.

She collected 18,000 items of lace donated by people from all over the world.

Friend of Gawthorpe Betty Garvey said: "The collection is very comprehensive and rare.

"There are some beautiful pieces of lace work and it is so fantastic to be able to see them up close."