MUSEUM staff are delighted after visitor figures for last month nearly doubled compared to same time 12 months ago.

The Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, saw 11,844 visitors, in June, compared with 5,949 in 2003.

Other months have also seen a large increase in visitors compared to 2003.

The number of visitors in April rose by 1,130 and by 1,656 in June.

While the wet weather has played its part in encouraging visitors to the museum, staff believe that a number of new attractions and initiatives have been largely responsible for the increase.

New exhibitions such as the Boudin-Monet and the Sea-painters of Normandy have attracted a large number of visitors.

The museum has also appointed a group visits organiser and increased its education group from one to four people.

It has found funding to provide travel for school parties and is running a joint marketing campaign with Beamish Museum.

Marketing officer Rachel Scott said: "The Bowes is experiencing a renaissance with an active programme of international, national and local exhibitions.

"The installation of new galleries and the development of visitor facilities such as Caf Bowes and the museum shop are all aimed at enhancing the total visitor experience.

"The Bowes Museum is an important part of the North-East's heritage and these improvements are enabling people to appreciate its local and national significance."

Published: 15/07/2004