THE financial problems of a museum are to be looked into by a Government minister.

The move comes after the problems facing the Tom Leonard Mining Museum, in Skinningrove, east Cleveland, were brought up in the House of Commons.

Museum volunteers have plans to expand, but have experienced difficulties accessing smaller Government grants.

The area's MP, Dr Ashok Kumar, told the Commons that red tape was preventing the museum, and others like it, from receiving money.

He also said there were serious fears that grants from the European Union could dry up as money begins to be spent in East European countries.

Minister for sport and arts Richard Caborn promised to take up the issue of too much bureaucracy with One NorthEast, the regional development agency.

Meanwhile, new volunteers are desperately needed at the museum.

Volunteer Mike Turner said: "We are trying to involve schools more, as well as the local community.

"We are having six-mile miners walks and have already had a few school trips here this year.

"However, we really need guides and people to do other work as a matter of urgency."

The small museum, which attracts about 5,000 visitors a year, has plans to expand by creating a family history centre, an auditorium, and providing disabled access.

It is supported by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, the European Union and the Government's Single Regeneration Budget.

Last year, it received a £130,000 loan from the council to buy museum buildings.

The mine had serious financial difficulties when a charitable trust closed following the collapse of Barings Bank in the early-1990s. It costs about £10,000 a year to run the centre.

To help, call the museum on (01287) 642970.