ONE woman was so moved by a visit to Winkies Castle that she burst into tears.

The emotional visitor is one of hundreds who have toured the tiny terraced cottage.

Once home to cobbler Jack Anderson, it has now been transformed into a community folk museum in Marske, east Cleveland.

"We really have had a wonderful response since our official opening on Yorkshire Day, August 1," said Alan Pearce, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's museums curator.

"In that week alone, we welcomed 400 visitors, the vast majority local people."

"I was ready to close the door one evening and the last lady to leave came towards me with tears pouring down her cheeks. Naturally, I was worried at first, but she managed to explain they really were tears of joy.

"She just said she was so thrilled at what we'd done. It's moments like that which make you appreciate what we have achieved."

An added boost to the museum is a mass of photographs of Marske dating back to the 19th Century. Volunteer staff are copying the pictures and adding them to the growing collection.

Dave Fitzpatrick, cabinet member for leisure, culture and tourism, said: "The council's museum service and the many volunteers have done a magnificent job completing Winkies Castle.

Winkies Castle is open on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 10.30am to 4pm, until the end of September.

Admission is £1.50 adults, 75p for under-16s and under-fives free. Family tickets are £4.