A BOOK which has been locked away for almost 70 years due to its value and rarity is on display at Accrington Library.

The 500-year-old book bound with leather, which was once studded with jewels, contains handwritten Gregorian style songs.

This treasure, the Accrington Antiphonary, is named from the term antiphon -- a hymn or psalm sung by two people to each other.

In celebration of the book's re-appearance in the library a one-off performance of the songs will take place on July 12 at 7pm.

The book was donated to the St James' Street library by Accrington Museum in the 1930s.

Despite its value staff aren't worried about security -- the book includes a Latin curse on anyone who tries to take it away.