TREASURES belonging to a church which date back to the medieval era have been displayed in this photo.

The inside of St Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Clayton-le-Moors is depicted in this photo was taken in 1954.

Some of the church's treasures, dating back to the days of religious persecution in the district, can be seen here.

Behind the 18th Century Mass vestment is a crucifix, used during secret worshipping and on the right is a medieval incense bowl.

A crucifix is an image of Jesus on the cross and is a principal symbol for many groups of Christians.

The standard, four-pointed Latin crucifix consists of an upright post and a single crosspiece to which the sufferer's arms were nailed.

By the late Middle Ages these were a near-universal feature of Western churches, but are now very rare.

Modern Roman Catholic churches often have a crucifix above the altar on the wall; for the celebration of Mass, the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church requires that, "on or close to the altar there is to be a cross with a figure of Christ crucified".

A medieval incense bowl was an essential tool for a doctor, monk or priest.

During the Middle Ages, incense was perceived as a medicine because it cleaned the area that people breathed.