STARTING as a two-week pop-up display four years ago, Minehead Museum this week officially opened a new exhibition space which will double its size.

And it is hoped it will make it a major tourist attraction in the regeneration of the seafront.

The museum, based in the Beach Hotel, has already attracted over 17,000 visitors.

Curator Julian Luke told guests at the opening on July 31 that the new display space will widen the range of exhibits and provide a valuable all-weather attraction for the town.

Officially opening the new display facilities, chairman of trustees Joe Passmore (pictured)said a Minehead museum had been talked about since the 1920s.

It was only in the past four years, due to the work of volunteers and supporters, that the dream had become reality.

Julian said that taking over space from the tourist information centre had made it possible to have more ambitious displays of exhibits illustrating the history and customs of the town.

These now included two hobby horses, a scale model of the Regal theatre, and a ‘Maritime Minehead’ display of models of ships which regularly docked in the harbour.

On display for the first time are a 17th century clock on loan from the town council, and the Minehead town crier’s uniform.

Trustees Alan Smithers and Caroline Giddens were on hand to answer questions as over 50 guests viewed the exhibits.

The museum, a registered charity, is staffed and managed by volunteers and is always anxious for more helpers.

Volunteer co-ordinator Janet Styles is currently looking for more help as the museum plans a further refit ready for next year’s ‘Minehead on the Move’ exhibition.

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday and bank holidays until the end of October.