A MUSEUM is appealing for volunteers to come forward to help spread the word about its redevelopment plans.

Bridport Museum has been awarded more than £840,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund which will go towards a complete overhaul of the building - with the museum trust aiming to create a "fun and engaging community hub".

The museum has launched an appeal to recruit volunteers for its front of house team. Roles are available for anyone who would love to welcome the public and share visitors' enthusiasm for the town and its heritage.

There may also be opportunities for some roles to include operational responsibilities.

Assistant curator at Bridport Museum, Nichola Blackmore, is urging helpers to step forward and "safeguard the history" of the town.

She said: "Come and join our lovely team of volunteers and become part of the community that helps to safeguard the history of Bridport.

"The tea and biscuits aren’t half bad, either.

"Our current volunteers really enjoy talking to locals and visitors alike about Bridport’s 800 year old rope and net industry and heritage, helping children find the time-travelling rats in the museum and working in the shop.

"All proceeds from the shop go towards helping us maintain free entry."

The museum's £1.3 million redevelopment project has come together after more than two years of research and development. The scheme will include urgent repair and restoration to the museum building itself, followed by a complete redisplay of all museum galleries.

Central to the plans is ensuring that the museum is fully accessible, a new lift will enable all visitors to view displays on the first floor and an accessible toilet will also include baby changing facilities. The shop will be improved, to support operating costs, and new heating will mean that the museum can open all year round, attracting more visitors.

Work will begin on the building in September with it hoped the project will be completed in time to open for Spring 2017.