AN EGYPTIAN mummy dating back thousands of years is to go on display at Frankie Howerd's former home. The mummy and other Egyptian artefacts were presented to the comedy legend in the 1970s after he appeared in a tourism advertising campaign. Priceless gi

AN EGYPTIAN mummy dating back thousands of years is to go on display at Frankie Howerd's former home.The mummy and other Egyptian artefacts were presented to the comedy legend in the 1970s after he appeared in a tourism advertising campaign.Priceless gifts from the Italian Government which include paintings and statues will also be on display at Wavering Down House in Cross at the Up Pompeii show on September 23.The artefacts used to be kept in a bomb shelter in the grounds of the house until they were valued and sent to London to be stored.Security guards will patrol the event to make sure the painting, dating from 79AD, sarcophagus and fossil egg from Pompeii are not stolen.Frankie's former nurse Chris Byrne said: "We had the mummy in the house until we realised how valuable it was."All the things have been kept in a vault in London for years."We just thought it would be something nice to share with the public."I always find that when history is lost we can't get it back. The sad thing is that Frank died long before his time, however his humour will live on for generations."The Up Pompeii show will be played out on the lawns of Wavering Down and will feature re-enactments of scenes from the Up Pompeii! television series, Roman music, authentic Roman food, stand-up comedy, talks on Roman history by experts from TV's Timewatch, a pig roast, bar and fireworks.There will also be a 'slave auction' at the event, where people will be able to bid for 'slaves' to perform tasks like health treatments and gardening. Proceeds will go to the Children's Hospice South West project to build a new hospice in Wraxall.Chris added: "To give the event a truly Roman feel, we hope guests will wear Roman clothing, or even a sheet as a last resort."Tickets, priced £15, are available from Axbridge Chemist. For more details call 01934 732013.* Pictured: Chris Byrne with some of the rare artefacts which will be on display.