A BELOVED museum urgently needs more volunteers, as committee members admit they often have to close the attraction due to no-one being available to work.

Witney and District Museum is currently featuring a colourful exhibition on Wychwood Forest, but without volunteers, members of the public will never be able to view it again.

Volunteer coordinator Sheila Cuss said the museum had about 15 helpers but needed half a dozen more.

She said: "All you need to do is be able to read and write, pick up the phone, and use the kettle for a cup of tea.

"We are completely dependent on our volunteers for stewarding, we do very much need more of them.

"They are mainly retired people so the turnover is high.

"There have been days where we just can't open which is a real shame."

Witney Museum has a permanent exhibition showing the life and times of the area, from prehistory to early settlements, and the transition to a market town in medieval times, through the development of the blanket industry, the two World Wars and the growth of the modern town.

It also puts on special one-off exhibitions regularly, such as the one on Wychwood Forest.

Mrs Cuss emphasised that being a volunteer steward is a very flexible role and the new members could choose when they want to help out.

Morning shifts from 10am to 1pm are available, as is an afternoon shift from 1pm to 4pm.

She added: "The person would just need to be there, open up, lock up, let people in. No deep knowledge is need on the history of Witney.

"It's quite a good hobby to have."

Anyone interested in volunteering or finding out more should call 01993 779093.

The museum is open in the High Street from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm.