CREDITON Museum is on course to open on Saturday, April 17.

The project is being run by the Crediton Area History & Museum Society.

Project Manager John Jones said: "The research we have done so far indicates that our choice of theme for this year's exhibition, 'Fire, the destroyer of history - Crediton Area Fires from the 1600s to the present day', will yield an enormous amount of interesting and fascinating information about the town.

“The fact that we have obtained grants enabling us to open the museum permanently has led to a lot of increased interest in our plentiful history and people are coming forward in greater numbers than ever before with information and material."

The society's collection of photographs is expanding and research into newspapers and other publications over the centuries has identified considerable information about devastating fires in the town, and area, throughout history and how they have been fought.

Mr Jones added: "We are immensely grateful to people who have come forward with new information but we would especially welcome further copies of related photographs and press cuttings as well as related artefacts like firefighting equipment, firemen's helmets, firemen's uniforms, axes and even WW2 Stirrup pumps.”

If you are able to contribute contact Mr Jones on 01363-772866, or at cahms@eclipse.co.uk.

The museum, in the Old Town Hall in High Street, has been redecorated and is being fitted out to take the exhibition.

Once the exhibition is over the museum will be open from 10am until 4pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and from 10am until 1pm on Saturdays.

More volunteers are always needed so if you have an interest in local history and would like to be involved the society invites you to contact Sandra Cooper on 01363-776502, email sandra.cooper22@talktalk.net