A MUSEUM is looking to recruit more volunteers when it reopens following a redevelopment later this year.

Lyme Regis Museum will open its doors in June following the construction of a new £1m extension, the Mary Anning Wing.

The museum is on the hunt for helpers to assist visitors in the new-look facility.

Director of Lyme Regis Museum, David Tucker, said: "We’re steaming ahead with the building of the new extension, and now it is time to focus on the people at the core of what we do – volunteers.

"The museum simply can’t function without them, and we will need more when we reopen in June to carry out a wide range of exciting and interesting roles. These include welcoming visitors to the museum, supporting our new shop, helping visitors to understand our collections and helping with events and activities.

"Volunteers need to be enthusiastic and well motivated – and if this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you. In return we can offer the chance to work in the town’s well respected museum, meet new people and enjoy social events.”

The refurbished museum will include a new learning space, a meeting room, accessible stairs, a lift, a bigger gift shop and visitor toilets.

Large windows will allow the museum to take advantage of its coastal location, and zinc has been chosen not only because it blends with the rooftops of Lyme, but also for its resistance to the corrosive effects of the sea.

The development has been supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, as well as by several major charities, the Friends of Lyme Regis Museum, Dorset County Council and West Dorset County Council.

Lyme Regis Museum will be holding an event for all existing a potential volunteers on Thursday, January 26 at 2pm at the Marine Theatre. Potential volunteers will have a chance to meet members of staff and existing volunteers over a cup of tea and hear from Robert Battersby, the architect who has created the extended museum.

Alternatively, potential volunteers are welcome to turn up on the day to discover more. If you cannot attend the event, the museum would still love to hear from you. If you are interested in attending the event or volunteering, please telephone 01297 443370 or email David Tucker at director@lymeregismuseum.co.uk