A museum dedicated to remembering a town's rich history has received a welcome boost in its search for new volunteers.

Lowestoft Maritime Museum, based on Whapload Road, is a charitable organisation that relies entirely on people giving up their spare time to sustain its operations.

Until recently, the museum relied on just 25 volunteers to steer the ship during Easter time and the busy summer season, when doors are open to members of the public seven days a week.

In support of its recruitment drive, the museum hosted an open day on February 21, allowing anyone interested in volunteering to meet the committee and potentially join the team.

And now the Lowestoft and East Suffolk Maritime Society's efforts have been rewarded with the enrolment of multiple enthusiastic new recruits.

'We've managed to get 10 new volunteers on board, which is the best new pool of recruits we've ever had,' said museum chairman Jim Aguss.

'Some of them will be starting at Easter, whereas others will start further down the line.'

Colin Dixon, the museum's president, added: 'The response after the recruitment day was absolutely phenomenal.

'It's incredibly valuable to bring in more volunteers because we're determined to increase our profile. We still get people coming in who were completely unaware of us, despite having lived in Lowestoft all their lives!

'A museum like this is all about word of mouth; hopefully these new starters will bring along their friends and family and things can grow from there.'

As the registered charity expands its ranks, the team is also looking ahead to this year's celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the museum's opening and the 60th anniversary of the maritime society's formation.

'There will certainly be a celebration of some sort for the anniversaries, although the details are yet to be finalised,' said Mr Aguss.

'The anniversary of the museum is officially in May, but the celebration will probably be in August - during the holidays - to get as many people along as possible.'

Anyone interested in volunteering for Lowestoft Maritime Museum can call chairman Jim Aguss on 01502 569165. Visit the museum website to find out more information.