A VOLUNTEER at Bewdley Museum has celebrated 35 years of welcoming visitors to the popular attraction.

Terry Vaughan was treated to a surprise party for clocking up more than three decades of service to the Load Street museum.

Mr Vaughan, who has also just turned 70, has turned his hand to most tasks at the museum, from gardening to running the tea shop and talking to visitors about the history of the town.

The pensioner, who lives in Bewdley, said: "I love going to the museum and helping out. Having visited the site in my childhood, it is really important to me to see it thriving."

He added he had no plans to give up his work at the museum, which is funded by Wyre Forest District Council, and praised volunteers, Angela and Charles Purcell, who have also given 35 years of service.

The museum's education officer, Monica Rees, said: "The team at the museum is very grateful to all the volunteers who do so much to help us out. Many, like Terry, have such wonderful local knowledge and are invaluable support."

The museum relies on volunteers and has enjoyed a massive increase in visitor numbers since abolishing its entry fee.

The district council has guaranteed three years of funding from this year but efforts are being made to attract outside funding.

A development officer, Ruth Finney, has now been appointed to attempt to attract the cash.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer at the museum can contact Carole Mathieson on 01299 400386.