ANCIENT tools dating back 1,500 years are due to feature in a new university exhibition.

The tools form the contents of a blacksmith's workshop from Biddulph, and date from around the year 500.

The collection includes tools, patterns and other smithy equipment, and was acquired by Cheshire Museums Service in 1981.

The intention was to display, and even demonstrate, the collection, but it has never been shown or catalogued into the museum's service collections.

The smithy collection is likely to be transferred to the Hawley Tool Collection being developed at Sheffield University.