A campaign to help secure the long-term future of Malton Museum is marking its first anniversary.

The museum, which is run entirely by volunteers, started the initiative, alongside Malton’s local artisans, to preserve the attraction for future generations at the beginning of last December.

As part of the Museum Supporter Scheme, a donation of £5 to £25 a month will secure a yearly voucher from the business.

Supporting the project are Roost, Lutt and Turner, Brass Castle Brewery, Topiary Tree florist, Florian Poirot, Rare Bird Gin Distillery and Cosy Cottage.

Andy Harvey said: "Malton Museum is presently housed in two attractive rooms with an entrance in Yorkersgate, open four days a week from Easter to the end of October and entirely run by volunteers. Our significant collections go back to Roman times and plans to develop the Museum into a more accessible asset for the community are well under way."

Malton Museum is aiming to find a permanent home for its nationally significant collection of predominantly Roman artefact following a significant grant.

The museum was recently awarded £50,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, administered by North Yorkshire Council, which will be used to commission consultants to undertake a feasibility study for a new home for the museum in Malton.

Andy added: "We work closely with York University and local schools by providing placement opportunities for students wishing to undertake a career in museums; we deliver an extensive outreach programme to local community groups and schools as well as offering a variety of walking tours around the town to share its rich history.

The Museum has over 40 volunteers who freely give about 7,000 hours of time over the year. We engage with many thousands of people of all ages who visit the Museum, come to our Roman Festival, join tours or receive visits. Our 2023 Exhibition of the Iron Age Shield attracted over 1,000 visitors from far and wide and demonstrated the impact that Malton Museum is capable of making.

It all needs money, of course. Although no-one is paid a penny, rent and basic overheads alone come to some £1,500 every month.

That is why we devised the Supporter Scheme, to help the Museum and promote our wonderful local businesses at the same time. Help us to bring the past to life while you enjoy delicious gifts! Support the Museum with a monthly amount of your choosing, partner with your favourite local business, whether you fancy coffee, cake, beer, flowers, chocolates, gin, soap….we’ve got it covered! And you will get a free pass to visit the Museum whenever you want during the season.

At the end of the year, your chosen business will present you with a lovely gift to thank you for your support. Malton Museum is hugely grateful for all the support it receives."

For more information go to www.maltonmuseum.co.uk/donate