THE head of marketing and development at the Bowes Museum spoke to Barnard Castle Rotary Club at a recent meeting.

Ruth Robson talked about the large-scale repair work under way at the museum, and, once the leaking roof is repaired, how the interior will be altered to provide better exhibition and office space.

She also told them that in the past five to seven years, employment at the museum had increased from 35 to 64 people, visitors had increased from 65,000 to 120,000 a year, and that attendance by schools had risen 220 per cent.

David Yeadon, from Barnard Castle Rotary Club, said: "It was clear to Rotarians that the museum is making very positive steps forward, and continues to grow as a remarkable asset to the town."