SUPPORTERS of a North-East museum are hoping to emulate the growing success of their beloved tourist attraction through a recruitment drive.

The Friends of the Bowes Museum was formed in 1950 when the museum, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, was threatened with closure. Fundraising efforts at the time helped to safeguard its future.

In 1999, a trust was set up to raise the museum's profile and provide much-needed funding, and in the past two years its popularity has grown.

Now, members hope to boost their numbers to 2,000, to raise the museum's profile further and provide more financial support.

The Queen Mother, a direct descendent of museum founder John Bowes, is the patron of the friends and has continued to lend support, last visiting in 1992 to mark the museum's centenary.

Friends can become guides or help with work in the library. They have free access to the museum during normal opening hours, a quarterly newsletter and a chance to take part in special events and previews.

For the next three years, the museum will be giving £50,000 a year towards projects and exhibitions.

For details about becoming a friend, email friends

PCA member Wendy Towers sai