VOLUNTEERS and engineers are working to mend part of a mine at the Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum, formerly known as the Tom Leonard Mining Museum.

A crack has been found in the external wall buttress, or support, of the museum's North Drift, which was built 140 years ago.

Last year's dry summer, followed by a wet winter, has meant that the tunnel is in need of maintenance.

The volunteers and engineers from Cleveland Potash are reinforcing the buttress so that the North Drift can open to visitors as soon as possible.

The museum, the only museum of ironstone mining, is looking for volunteers to help with a variety of activities. For details call (01287) 642877.

The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 1pm to 4pm.

Published: ??/??/2004