Ryedale District Council has vowed to support plans to house an almost priceless collection of more than 10,000 artefacts which, it is anticipated, will become a major visitor attraction and an important learning centre.

Brothers Edward and Rich- ard Harrison, of Kirkbymoor- side, have spent 50 years building up the collection – "jaw dropping stuff" according to an Antiques Roadshow expert – and now want to give it to the Hutton-le-Hole museum so it remains in the area.

Included in the collection, valued at £1 million, are antiques, furniture, paintings and items of social importance.

It has already proved eye-catching to Kirkbymoorside Community Primary School pupils who visited the museum last week. They were spellbound as Edward showed them some of the collection.

Describing it as a "goldmine of antiquities" during Thursday's policy and resources committee, Cllr Elizabeth Shields said: "Ryedale Folk Museum has always been at the forefront of museums. This would be a great addition to it and hopefully also support the economy by bringing a lot of tourists into the district."

And Cllr Howard Keal added: "It's an incredible opportunity we have to grab it with both hands."

Councillors endorsed a proposal by Cllr Keith Knaggs, leader of the council, to allocate the museum £250,000 through its capital programme. He said it was not just about preserving the collection but also about creating a learning and education centre – "a major addition to the cultural life of Ryedale".

The Malton and Pickering Mercury has thrown its support behind the fundraising drive and is urging readers, local clubs, businesses, schools and groups to help the museum's Save Our Heritage Appeal by raising cash or by giving donations.

It is estimated around £70,000 will be needed through a public appeal but a final figure will not be known until a number of funding bids, including an application for a £1 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, have been decided.

The museum wants to use the cash to buy the neighbouring Barn Hotel and convert the main buildings into gallery space, library and archive with buildings and storage. A new learning centre will be developed with the two areas linked by walkways and a reed bed.

A new home for the collection is considered to be important because, currently, it is uncatalogued, inappropriately stored and susceptible to deterioration and damage.