CAMPAIGNERS are rallying the public to back a renewed bid for an international carpet museum in Kidderminster.

An organisation has been formed to set up a museum in the home of carpet - the only craft-based industry which does not have such an institution.

Townsfolk have been urged to attend a meeting to recruit members for the Friends of the Carpet Museum Trust which aims to support the museum bid.

Trust honorary secretary and trustee Charles Talbot said: "The history of Kidderminster is the history of carpet so we hope for great public support in this venture.

"We need public backing and we feel the time is ripe for involving the large numbers of people who have expressed interest in the project by forming an organisation to support the work of the trust."

The Friends aims to get a wide section of people involved in everything from fund-raising to weaving demonstrations.

The Carpet Museum Trust was set up in 1981 but the initiative faltered in 1992 because of lack of suitable premises for the project.

The plan was revived three years ago, resulting in much public interest.

Mr Talbot acknowledged that the "wheels turn slowly" but insisted progress was being made with negotiations for a museum location taking place.

He said: "There is no rush. This project could take up to five years.

"The most important thing is to get it right and the more people we get on board the better."

The meeting for the foundation of the friends will take place at New Meeting Church, Church Street, Kidderminster, on Friday, September 15 at 7.30pm.

Meanwhile, to herald the renewed push for a museum a heritage centre celebrating the town's carpet manufacturing history will open the following day.

The centre, based at New Meeting Church, will act as a focal point for the friends and includes "hands-on" sessions on a loom which forms the centrepiece of a recreated weaver's loft.

There will also be photographs of the town's carpet heritage and an audio-visual presentation.

Mr Talbot said the trust had already collected various artefacts but the old adage of people finding historic gems in their lofts was all too true.

Anyone wishing to donate any photographs or artefacts to the friends or who would like more information about the project should call Bronwen Ingham on 01562 68908.