A museum will be trying this year to rid itself of a reputation as one of the county's hidden treasures.

The Richmondshire Museum, in the town's Ryders Wynd, was established jointly by the town council and the Soroptimists movement in the 1970s.

It includes local exhibits dating back to the Stone Age.

Among the prize displays are a vet's surgery from the 1930s, including some of the props used in the making of All Creatures Great and Small, and a replica of the counter at Barker's Chemists, established in Catterick Garrison in the 1920s.

A minutely-detailed model of Richmond's railway station and a display recounting the region's lead mining heritage are also favourites of the staff.

However, despite all their hard work, visitor numbers are not as high as they would like. A drop of about 30 per cent last year has prompted new determination to re-establish the museum on the town's tourist trail, which also includes the castle and the Georgian Theatre Royal.

Workers have been crafting new cases to enhance some of the displays - but making people more aware of the museum is one of the main winter objectives.

"It's not just us - as the drop in visitor numbers was reflected across the region," said assistant Julie Bowman.

"However, we rely on the public for much of our income, so it is important that we have their interest and support."

The museum is open to school parties all year, but doors open to the public at Easter.

More recruits are also needed for the museum's workforce. For details call (01748) 825611.