THERE has been a tremendous public response to a plea for backing for an international carpet museum in Kidderminster.

Despite the fuel crisis and dismal weather more than 70 people turned up for a meeting to establish a Friends of the Carpet Museum Trust last Friday.

And everyone from directors to floor sweepers has signed up to help set up a museum in the home of carpet - the only craft-based industry which does not have such an institution.

Trust honorary secretary and trustee Charles Talbot said: "We are delighted at the initial reaction. It is precisely the response we hoped for and bodes well for the future."

The friends will be involved in everything from fund-raising to weaving demonstrations.

Mr Talbot said there was particular interest in an oral history of the industry, which the trust will now research.

He added: "There was great interest in artefacts and photographs. One chap saw a photo of workers celebrating King George VI's coronation in 1937 and identified his mother!"

There was also great interest in the heritage centre, involving a recreated weaver's loft, at New Meeting Church. It will open every Saturday from 10am to noon.

The next step for the trust is to hold meeting to set up its constitution. It has got off to a good start with £1,000 from Worcestershire County Council's Community Grants Scheme.