THE last 12 months were the busiest ever at an east Cleveland museum celebrating the areas mining history.

With last year marking the 50th anniversary of the last ironstone mine’s closure in the area, Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum had more visitors than ever before and a packed events and exhibition calendar.

Record numbers of people - 13,960 - visited the museum, which was more than 30 per cent higher than the previous year.

Throughout the year a number of events were held, including a thanksgiving service for the Ironstone Mining Industry in July at St Helens Church, in Carlin How; a lecture about North Skelton Mine, which exceeded the capacity of the museum’s lecture room; and other commemorative events marking the 50th anniversary of the closure of the last ironstone mine in Cleveland.

Jean Banwell, the museum education officer, said: “I think the museum’s success is a very fitting tribute to the industry 50 years on from the closure of its last ironstone mine in north Skelton. The support for our lectures and events in 2014 shows the interest of Cleveland’s people today in remembering and valuing the areas industrial heritage.”

The museum continues to be a volunteer led and run project and in view of the increased success they are looking for new people to lend a hand.

Anyone wishing to volunteer at the museum should email jean@ironstonemuseum.co.uk or call 01287-642877.

For further information visit ironstonemuseum.co.uk