Visitor numbers from opening in April 2003 are up to the end of August have reached almost 24,000 against around 10,000 for all of the previous season.

Looking forward to the launch of the latest exhibition "Hell for Leather" to be held in the Quayle Gallery at the Museum, Vice Chair of the Friends Penny Griffiths said "the increased visitor numbers are a wonderful endorsement of the decision by Wyre Forest District Council to offer free admission to the museum.

"It is so good to see that visitors to our area, and locals alike, are all using and enjoying Bewdley Museum".

Donation levels are up too which is good news as the Friends, the Council and the Museum staff are all working together to form a sustainable business plan for the future.

Membership of the Friends is also reaching an all time high with new names currently joining every week.

Volunteers and Museum staff have also worked together to run a limited catering facility within the saw mill area of the gardens.

"As well as helping to provide some income the real worth of the refreshment area is the added value we can give to visitors to the museum.

"People can relax and enjoy the area with a cup of tea or coffee and talk to the Friends about the museum".

The Leather exhibition runs from Friday 12th September until 31st October and co-insides with the launch of the latest book from the Bewdley Historical Research Group – "From Hide to Leather".