RESIDENTS in a North Yorkshire borough can immerse themselves in culture for free, thanks to a new scheme launched yesterday.

Jane Metcalfe, chairman of Richmondshire District Council, ceremonially unlocked the main door of the Green Howards Regimental Museum, in Richmond to mark the start of the deal.

As well as the military museum, which opens for the new season on February 4, the Richmondshire and the Georgian Theatre museums, which open at Easter, will also admit local people free.

Visitors must show proof of eligibility, such as a driving licence, allowance book, council tax form or passport to claim free entry.

Lt Colonel Neil McIntosh, curator of the Green Howards museum, said: "We are an independent museum, but work closely with our local colleagues to increase the numbers of visitors both to the museum and the town."

The idea came from Lt Col McIntosh, and committees at the other two museums agreed to adopt the scheme.

Richmondshire Museum chairman Mike Wood said: "Unfortunately, we don't get many Richmond people visiting us, so we hope the free entry will encourage them to bring along their friends."

With Councillor Metcalfe and Mr Wood at the launch were Major Roger Chapman, of the Green Howard, Bill Sellars, from the theatre museum, and Lynda Powell, museums officer for Richmondshire and Hambleton.

Coun Metcalfe said: "Local people are proud of their heritage, and now they have the chance to see our three Richmond museums without charge."