VISITORS to a North-East museum are being offered a fresh insight into the area's history with the launch of a new attraction.

A Recent Acquisitions Case has been set up at the Museum of Hartlepool to display some of the diverse and fascinating items that re regularly donated to the borough's service.

Charlotte Taylor, collections manager, said: "When items are donated they are often put into storage for many years, but this new initiative means people now have a chance to see them."

Examples of donations currently on display at the museum, which is in the town's Marina include a ticket for the Grand Darts Final at the Borough Hall in 1939 and a plaque taken from Henry Smith Grammar School prior to its demolition in the 1970s.

Officers from Hartlepool Borough Council are keen to encourage more donations of particular local interest, although they have stressed it is impossible to accept everything that is offered due to space limitations.

Ms Taylor said: "We have a collecting policy which states we only accept donations that have a strong connection to Hartlepool.

"People who want to make a donation can obtain a form from the museum, on which they are asked to give details about the item and themselves.

"A member of staff will then get in touch to discuss if it is suitable for donation.

"It is important to point out that once donated, items legally belong to Hartlepool Museum Service and cannot be returned, so people must think carefully before giving something up."

For more information contact (01429) 523439.