The Cottingley Fairies are winging their way back to Cottingley today for a special one off exhibition.

Visitors to the Town Hall between 10am and 4pm will be able to see the cameras with which the two little girls Elsie Wright and Frances Griffiths made Cottingley famous.

The National Museum of Photgraphy, Film and Television has agreed to loan the cameras and other display material for the day. Museum staff will also be on hand to answer questions about the famous fairies hoax and the museum's redevelopment.

Visitors will also be able to see where the two girls went to school and go into the room where they were taught - a room which needed little alteration for the making of the film Fairy Tale - A True Story.

Both lived within close proximity of the hall and used to play by Cottingley Beck, which runs at the rear of the hall and where they claimed they saw the fairies.

The open day is part of an annual celebration of England's cultural and architectural heritage taking place over the weekend.

Margaret Krupa, one of the event's organisers, said: "I think there is still a lot of interest though I can't say it's exactly frantic. I gather there is a video of the film due out though I haven't seen it myself and I expect that should create a little bit more interest.

"The interest has always been there and certain things such as the making of the film have awakened it. And I understand from talking to local shopkeepers we are still getting visitors from America and Japan who are interested in finding out about the fairies.

"We are hoping for a lot of people to pass through the doors, at least a hundred though it all depends on the weather. As well as the cameras there will be some of Elsie's paintings on view and they should generate some attention."

In addition there will be photographs of old Cottingley and people connected with it, loaned by local folk.

Shipley MP Chris Leslie said he would try to attend.

"The fact that we have a lot of cherished stories has boosted feelings and love for the village. It is a great place and there are a lot of hidden mysteries there," he added.

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