A VILLAGE museum is preparing to open for the summer as it celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

The Weardale Museum and High House Chapel, in Ireshopeburn, was founded by Bill Proud, and opened in 1985.

Thirty years on and the museum is still a volunteer led enterprise, with some people volunteering since the day the doors first opened.

The museum houses a variety of exhibitions, covering life in Weardale in the late 19th century, tapestry, the First World War and much more.

On site is also a unique genealogy database for those looking to research their family history.

David Heatherington, museum curator and volunteer for thirty years, said: “People are absolutely amazed when they come and see how much is actually here.

“We look small from the outside but there is so much on offer, people come and spend hours here.”

The museum income is sourced entirely from admissions, shop sales, subscriptions from friends and donations.

Visitors are welcome during the Easter weekend from 2pm till 5pm and there is a small charge for admission. Vouchers for two-for-one entry can be picked up from Chatterbox Cafe, St John’s Chapel and The Dales Centre and Old Bakery in Stanhope.

For more information visit weardalemuseum.co.uk.