LYME Regis Museum has taken on a full-time professional curator for the first time in its history - ending a 108 year tradition.

Mary Godwin took up the job yesterday taking over the reins from honourary curator Max Hebditch, who leaves after eight years.

In her new post she hopes to introduce a more active educational programme.

Museum manager Carol Halden said: "Having Mary means someone on the spot to answer queries and bringing the whole thing up to date.

"It will be marvellous, as the museum will come alive. She will be here every day and will set up a much more active educational programme."

Mrs Godwin had previously been working at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Cornwall, where she was a community museums officer.

She trained in history of art and design and one of her first posts was at the Design Museum in London.

Mrs Godwin had a change in direction when she worked for telecommunications company Cable and Wireless, before becoming what she calls a reluctant scientist'.

She set up the Porthcurno Telegraph Museum near Land's End, in what she calls her most challenging project yet.

Now at Lyme Regis, museum manager Mrs Halden says the new curator intends to take stock and see what is important to local people.

Mrs Godwin's appointment has been made possible after West Dorset District Council's part-time educational officer retired in March, freeing up the capital.

Cash was also released with the departure in July of curatorial consultant Jo Draper, who was at the museum for 16 years.

Mr Hebditch will remain connected with the museum as a trustee and said his time as curator was enjoyable and interesting.

He said: "We think Mary's appointment is a great development for the museum. She has all the qualities we need for the development of the museum and for Lyme Regis."

The Friends of Lyme Regis Museum are hosting a drinks party at 5.30pm today to give members the chance to meet Mrs Godwin.

Friends' chairman John Lello sees this as a good opportunity for her to meet some of the volunteers who have helped to make the museum such a success.

She follows in some illustrious footsteps. Author John Fowles served as the curator from 1979-1988, only retiring from the museum after having a mild stroke.