CENTURIES of policing history and crime and punishment will be on show at Appleby Police station when visitors are given the opportunity to get a behind the scenes look at policing in the town.

The police station was formerly the Westmorland county jail and was built in 1771, it has since had a 233-year connection with law and order.

Sergeant Grant Warwick of Appleby Police Station said that this year a full-sized working treadmill constructed by staff and students at the Appleby Heritage Centre would be on display.

Sgt Warwick said: "It is believed that this is the only life-sized treadwheel in the north of England and this is the first time this barbaric instrument of punishment will return to Appleby since the prison closed in 1879."

Visitors will be able to experience other Victorian punishments including the tedious task of okum picking - which involved making hemp ship ropes. An archaeological dig will also take place in what is believed to be the prison's rubbish dump.

Guided tours of the Police Station will take place on September 11 and 12.