BEATRIX Potter fans are being given their last chance for years to see a treasured piece of history.

The original Peter Rabbit letter penned by the author in 1893 will be on display at the Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead until Sunday, November 4.

After that the priceless, fragile artefact will be carefully put into storage for several years to preserve it for future generations, said its custodian, the National Trust.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit was based on the story-letter Beatrix Potter sent to five-year-old Noel Moore. A delicate child who was often ill, Noel was the son of her friend and former governess Annie Moore.

She wrote the letter while on holiday in Scotland and, in 1900, asked Noel if she could borrow it back as she had an idea the story might make a book.

The tale of Peter, the mischievous rabbit dosed with camomile tea, has sold more than 40 million copies since its official publication in 1902.

At the Hawkshead gallery, visitors can read the world-famous line: "I don't know what to write to you, so I shall tell you a story about four little rabbits, whose names were - Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail, and Peter…" in Beatrix’s own handwriting. They can also take a close-up look at the original illustrations of Peter's family.

The letter forms part of the gallery's exhibition The Right Sort of Woman which gives an insight into the storyteller and sheep breeder's influential role in the Lake District.

The Beatrix Potter Gallery at Main Street, Hawkshead, is open seven days a week until November 4, 10.30am to 4pm.

For more, see www.nationaltrust.org.uk/beatrix-potter-gallery