THE future of a museum bequeathed to the people of a seaside town is to be discussed at a public meeting next week.

The Grade II listed Winkies Castle, on the High Street in Marske, east Cleveland, dates back to the 17th Century and was bequeathed by local cobbler Jack Anderson, who died earlier this year.

Mr Anderson restored the building, which is home to a collection of artefacts, documents and photographs chronicling the town's past, and opened the museum on an occasional basis for school groups and other visitors.

Options for the future of the building are to be discussed at a meeting held jointly by Marske Town Centre Partnership, Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council, and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

Mike Findlay, secretary of the partnership, which is made up of traders, residents, councillors and other organisations, said: "The general feeling is that we all want Winkies Castle to remain open and flourish. The Partnership's aim is to regenerate Marske, and Winkies Castle can be a tourist attraction for us. It's part of our heritage.

"We could also add other old photographs and memorabilia to what is already there."

Phil Philo, museums curator for the local authority, added: "The aim of the meeting is to set up a working group, which can process the collection and help arrange opening times. We'll be looking at a series of preferred options.

"The museums service is very keen to work with organisations and individuals in the community to make sure the building and the collections are accessible to the public. People are encouraged to come along, air their views and get involved."

The meeting takes place on Wednesday, at Marske Leisure Centre, at 7.45pm