Dust covered and undisturbed for generations, this treasure trove of photographs and posters can finally see the light of day.

The iconic images depicting the history of the famous Carr's of Carlisle factory, spanning almost 60 years, have been unearthed by archivists with the aim of putting them on display.

The collection, dating back to the early 19th Century, comprises photographs, staff magazines and records, wages books, press cuttings, recipe books and colourful posters.

The diverse business exhibits were first deposited by Carr's in 1970, and continued until 2005, with a final tally of about 500 items ending up on the shelves at Carlisle Archive Centre, based at Lady Guildford's House in Harraby.

Archivist, Mike Stephens, said the idea for an open day was first mooted on Facebook.

"We initially thought we could see what the interest was from McVities' staff, past and present, but it really took off on social media, and we are thinking it holds an interest for the wider public."

"It's a fantastic collection. It captures all the operational aspects of Carr's as a business," he added.

Mike, who has worked as an archivist with Cumbria County Council since 2007, said he had put together a similar exhibition for the steel works at Barrow.

"I was delighted with the response that we got. It was so successful, we decided to go ahead with a similar display with Carr's biscuit factory," said Mike.

An album dated 1908 shows black and white photographs of the railway sidings alongside the Carlisle factory, while others depict a bird's eye view of the No. 3 biscuit factory, and the employees dining hall and garden.

One brightly-coloured box is a mock-up designed and made by the former Metal Box in Carlisle, for Carr's Chocolate Tenby Biscuits.

"We've even got the original title deeds of the property and staff magazines.

"Any kind of celebration or major occasion, Carr's tapped into it," added Mike.

The archive centre will be hosting the Open Day on Tuesday, March 7, and because of the huge interest already shown by staff, past and present and their families, there will be two sessions - one in the morning and the other in the afternoon.

Those who cannot make it to either sessions can view the collection on via the Carlisle Archive Centre website.

"It will be an informal gathering, but those who want to attend must register for a ticket and bring along some form of ID. We will lay the collection out in the Map Room, and will also put on some refreshments," added Mike.

"We just hope staff, past and present get a lot out of this. It would be great if someone came along and saw photographs of their grandmother or other relatives working on the shop floor. It would complete the family history."

The Carr’s story began when Jonathan Dodgson Carr first started his bakery business in Carlisle in 1831. In 1837 he moved the business to Caldewgate and built a flour mill, bread and biscuit bakery, with two further factories opening in 1890 and 1900.

In 1841 a Royal Warrant was granted by Queen Victoria, making Carr’s the first biscuit maker to receive the accolade.

At the end of 19th century, water was used instead of fat to blend the dry ingredients together to keep the biscuits fresh on long ship voyages. Carr’s Table Water was originally eaten by sailors but as word spread, they were enjoyed by many others as well. United Biscuits acquired Carr’s in 1972.