A SHORTAGE of volunteers could spark a cutback in opening hours at Guisborough Museum.

More helpers are needed to act as stewards at the town's attraction.

But a management committee member stressed this week: "There is no way we will close."

However, Coun Anne Franklin added: "Because there is a shortage of volunteers at the moment, we will probably have to cut opening hours in the afternoon. We are monitoring the situation. "At about 3pm, people are sometimes starting to go home and we don't want to have stewards sitting about for nothing.

"So, for the next month, we are monitoring the 3-4pm slot to see if it is worth burning the lights and such. We will then review the situation."

The museum's current hours are 10am-4pm, Thursday and Saturday. Stewards are on duty in shifts from 10am-noon, noon-2pm and 2-4pm.

"We need three people twice a week," said Coun Franklin.

"But we won't close. We will cover the opening times ourselves. Existing stewards will do longer hours. But if anyone is willing to give up an hour once a month it would be good to hear from them."

The museum is behind the Sunnyfield House Community Centre on Westgate and currently has an impressive display to mark the jubilee.

"It would be nice to see other people taking an interest in the museum," said Coun Franklin.

Anyone who can lend a hand should contact Coun Franklin on 01287 634336 or call in at the museum.