One of Norfolk's most important set of historical documents is to be brought to life by artists and poets using ancient printing methods and modern technology.

ONE of Norfolk's most important set of historical documents is to be brought to life by artists and poets using ancient printing methods and modern technology.

For the last six months painstaking work has gone into producing two hand-made books inspired by the Paston letters.

The letters chronicle the rags to riches lives

of the Paston family who lived in the village and surrounding area during the War of

the Roses and the turbulent reign of Henry VIII.

And now the letters, which are the first published example of colloquial English,

will form the basis of an innovative exhibition at Paston's St Margaret's Church this weekend.

The display will feature one of the hand-printed books with prints, images and poems from more than 20 artists based on the letters.

Pages in the £850 book include copies of water marks from the first 1787 edition book of Paston letters and a brass rubbing of Erasmus Paston.

The two books were funded by a National Lottery grant secured by the Paston Heritage Society and involved computer designed prints which were then made on a hand

print - akin to the type used by John Fenn in 1787.

Lucy Care, from the Paston Heritage Society, said: "What is nice about these books is that a member of the Paston family or Mr Fenn would appreciate how much hard work went into making them by hand."

One of the books will be going on display at the Millennium Library in Norwich and replica copies will be made for sale.

The book will be on display at St Margaret's Church from 10am to 5.30pm on Saturday and 10am to 7pm on Sunday.

The weekend will also see poetry reading from the book, a medieval paper making workshop, an exhibition of historical parish documents and a Latin compline.

From 7.30pm on Sunday night, folk band Horses Brawl will be playing a piece of 15th century music discovered in St Margaret's Church in the 1920s which has never been performed before.

Tickets cost £8 and can be ordered on 01263 720164.

For further information on the weekend visit www.pastonheritage.co.uk