A MUSEUM has been given a helping hand from apprentices after certain areas of the building were identified as needing urgent repairs.

Coast & Country Housing has given the Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum a boost by sending down two apprentices, free of charge, to repair the access steps after recent winter damage.

The museum was founded in Skinngrove in 1983 by a group of volunteers who felt that the basis of Cleveland’s growth and prosperity was rapidly being forgotten or destroyed.

Originally the Museum was the collection of mining relics accumulated by local journalist Tom Leonard. Following a refurbishment in 2008/09, it now offers a shop, reception area, small cinema and a fully equipped first floor learning and meeting room.

Jean Banwell, the museum's education and development officer, said: “The work has been a huge success and we are one step closer to making our building one hundred per cent. Preserving Cleveland’s heritage is important to the region and we do rely on the generosity of local businesses to help keep our history accessible for the public to see.”

Samantha Groves, asset manager at Coast & Country Housing, said: “The Museum is a fascinating reminder of our area’s history and it gives visitors and particularly local school children the opportunity to see how our region has progressed over the years. We were more than happy send our apprentices along to help with some of the work and we urge other local businesses to share their skills and show support.”