MINEHEAD Museum reopened this week with new displays for the new season.

There are features on the reopening of Minehead Harbour in 1951, when the harbour was transferred from the Luttrell family to Minehead Urban District Council, and on the Festival of Britain.

Minehead pier and lifeboat also feature, along with the ever-popular Punch and Judy, the Hobby Horse, and Minehead at War.

The Festival of Britain display includes photographs and memorabilia from the national exhibition held in London and items relating to the Minehead connection.

A new addition to the maritime display is a fine mahogany and brass telescope, inscribed Wm. Bushen, Mariner, Minehead, 1817.

Based at the Beach Hotel complex facing the West Somerset Railway station, the museum is open five days a week (closed on Mondays and Fridays) and will be open on Easter Monday.

Curator Julian Luke said: "We are looking forward to the new season and welcoming new and regular visitors, and we are already getting inquiries for group visits.

“Early in the season we also have a visit from Laura Beckwith, finds liaison officer for Somerset Heritage.

“This is part of the Portable Antiquities Scheme and anybody with local historical finds can bring them along.

“This is by appointment only and bookings can be made by contacting Laura at [email protected]."

Mr Luke said help in supporting the museum was always welcome and people could become a ‘Friend of Minehead Museum’ for £10.

He said: “As a ‘friend’ you will receive a regular newsletter covering events at the museum, news about our future plans, and other occasional invitations.

“To become a ‘friend’, please download, print, and complete the membership form.”

The museum regularly welcomes young people from community groups and local schools to give them an opportunity to learn about the history of the town.