The Norris Museum, in St Ives, is celebrating what it describes as a “bright start” to the new year after its visitor figures revealed record numbers for the second half of 2017.

The museum, which has undergone extensive refurbishment, welcomed more than 21,000 visitors between July and December, 2017, 4,000 more than the whole of 2015 when the venue was last open.

“The figures are made up from people coming to see the displays in the museum where entry is free, people visiting the chapel or coming to our wide variety of events, using the research facilities, attending talks, workshops or participating in our community activities,” said museum director Sarah Russell.

“Our community work, currently supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund as part of our heritage grant, has enabled us to come out to work with different groups across Huntingdonshire. Some of our projects have included working with community groups and clubs, young carers and those living with dementia,” she added.

Events at the museum:

• Three exhibitions, starting with 1950s Fashion: A Decade of Glamour, which is open now and runs until April 28.

• Family event days, including a 1950s day and The Norris Festival, in July, which celebrates the anniversary of the reopening.

• Regular holiday events, such as Twilight on February 1, Dinomania at the end of May and summer craft sessions.

• An expanding programme of talks and tours for adults, including town tours and a series of talks to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the RAF.

• Workshops for all those wishing to learn new crafts, starting with a prehistoric pottery session with local ceramicist Sara Wilkinson.

* A programme of talks for groups and societies, with topics ranging from shopping to skating, which can be booked through the museum.

INFO: Visit the museum’s at: www.norrismuseum.org.uk or the Facebook page.