A NORTH Yorkshire museum has been given a new look over winter, ahead of its reopening later this month.

Over December, staff and volunteers at Ryedale Folk Museum have been repainting and restoring exhibits, extending the shop and giving the attraction a new lease of life.

In addition to its winter make-over, the museum is planning to open a new library, archive and research room, which will be open to the public, expanding its photographic display and developing three new heritage cycle routes.

The attraction at Hutton-le-Hole, near Helmsley, is also planning a range of new events for 2013.

They will include a 1940s tea dance, blacksmithing day courses and a Wonders of the Wood weekend.

Museum director Kevin Simms said: “Everybody thinks that when we close our doors in December we all go into hibernation when actually its one of our busiest times of year.

“While we have been closed over winter the staff and volunteers have been working really hard to get the museum ready for the new season including painting, repairs, cleaning, extending the shop and loads more.

“It is really nice to see everyone pull together and it really does make a difference.”

To see all the events coming up this year, visit the museum’s website at: www.ryedalefolkmuseum.co.uk