Gordon Clitheroe, founder of the legendary Beck Isle Museum at Pickering, is stepping down as its chairman after many years' service.

Mr Clitheroe helped set up the museum - which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year - with historian John Rushton in the imposing riverside house which was originally planned by its one time owner William Marshall to be the country's first agricultural college.

However, said Mr Clitheroe, the venture never materialised because of Mr Marshall's death.

It was later converted into three flats but was bought and became the Beck Isle Museum and Arts Centre which later folded.

Mr Clitheroe, who is to remain as the museum's curator, has seen it grow from a humble beginning to a museum with a national and international reputation.

Taking over as chairman is Roger Preston who has been associated with Beck Isle for the past seven years and is now responsible for development, training and the volunteers.

He was originally seconded to the museum from the Royal Fusiliers Regimental Museum and undertook a project on life in Ryedale during the First World War.

The museum has just reopened for the new season.

Several new exhibits will be on show including a 130-year-old Howe sewing machine.

The museum has 20,000 items with many more in store because of a lack of space.

"We are attracting younger volunteers who are coming forward with new ideas and skills, " he said. "We hope to see them get qualifications especially those seeking employment."

The trustees aim to make education and school parties more of a focus in the future, said Mr Preston.

"They are a valuable part of our work and our attendances."