THE opening of a quaint museum crammed full of curios has been marked with a peel of church bells.

The bells of Marske Parish Church rang a special "Quarter Peal of Plain Bob Minor" to mark the opening of Winkie's Castle, in Marske, east Cleveland. Bellringers from Thornaby and Ormesby joined in the celebration, conducted by retired teacher Sue Sotheran at St Mark's Church.

The mini-museum, housed in an ancient cruck-house in Marske High Street, was created 30 years ago by Jack Anderson, who was the local cobbler. After his death, it passed into the care of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's museum service, and is staffed by family and friends of Mr Anderson.

Containing a collection of 6,000 items, including the six clappers removed from St Mark's church bells when they were restored 35 years ago, it has now opened as Winkie's Castle museum, completing more than two years of restoration work.

Intrigue still surrounds how the cottage got its name. The most popular theory is that the cottage was named after Jack's cat and the Friends of Winkie's Castle have adopted a black cat silhouette as their logo.

But older memories insist the cottage has been known as Winkie's Castle for more than 100 years.

The museum is open every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 10.30am to 4pm until September 25. An annual £10 family Friends membership gives free entry or admission is £1.50 adults, and 75p for children.