DESPITE some good guesses, no-one identified last week's Craven Curiosity.

Several readers suggested the objects were early photographic lens filters or ink pads for rubber stamps.

In fact, they were church collection plates.

Experts from Craven Museum and Gallery tell us: "Collection plates were passed among worshippers during a Christian church service where donations of money were placed in them.

"Collection plates had a green felt lining on the inside so that coins did not make too much noise when left on the plate and did not distract people during the service.

"They were usually passed around the congregation during the singing of the last hymn. However, today, plates are frequently left at the entrance of the church so that regular worshippers place their gift as they arrive.

"When Christians attend church, most expect to make an offering as much as preach, sing and pray. Giving is seen as an act of worship and support for the ministry of the church."

Usually items featured in this column can be viewed at Craven Museum and Gallery, but it is currently closed while renovation work is carried out at the town hall.

However, provision has been made to display both last week's object and this week's Curiosity inside the Tourist Information Centre, also located in the town.

Meanwhile guesses about this week's mystery object should be emailed to news@cravenherald.co.uk