Volunteers with time on their hands are needed to help Helston Museum continue to grow as a popular visitor attraction.

Since last September, the museum has largely been staffed by volunteers, led by curator Katherine Ashton and assistant Tracy Clowes.

With the museum’s new longer opening hours, and a full programme of events and projects, there is a need for more volunteers to help out.

Those who like meeting people and learning new skills, and who are interested in local history, costume, photography or who have expertise in computers, are especially needed.

Recently, volunteers have been involved with the re-display of the costume gallery, the Over to You exhibition window in the foyer, and the knitting workshops that have led to the enormously popular Knitted Flora Day, on show in the museum’s art gallery throughout May.

Volunteers also help out with administrative tasks, cleaning, providing refreshments for events, creating quizzes and children’s activities, shop displays and retail and general welcoming of visitors and guiding them around the museum.

Training is available in-house and through a programme of courses run by the South West Federation of Museums.

The museum is particularly looking for volunteers with retail and welcoming skills to work on the reception desk. Shifts are approximately two hours long.

Martine Knight, a current volunteer, said: “Every day is different, and it’s fascinating working with objects from the museum’s collections. I keep finding objects that I didn’t know existed.”

Another volunteer, Maureen Hopcroft, agreed: “There is a vast variety of jobs to do and people to meet from all over the country and beyond. There’s never a dull moment!”

Curator Katherine Ashton said she had been “overwhelmed by the fantastic work” of the volunteers so far, adding: “They all seem to have some hidden skill or talent that they bring to the job, and they are all so enthusiastic. We have a lot of fun too.”

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact the museum on 01326 564027. Alternatively they can email info@helstonmuseum.co.uk, or drop in to pick up a form.

Last week the museum launched a supporters’ group, Para HenHellys, roughly translated as “Team for Old Helston”, so that those unable to volunteer their time can still help out. To join Para HenHellys Packet readers can pick up a membership pack or download one at www.helstonmuseum.co.uk