A RYEDALE museum has seen its highest number of visitors through the doors this year.

Beck Isle Museum in Pickering showcases the social and rural history of the area through a series of period business displays, including a barber, blacksmith, chemist, printer and a historic costume gallery.

Chairman Rodge Dowson said they felt the success was down to more awareness of the museum through the local press and outreach to schools and students.

“Other attractions seem to have found it a difficult year but we have bucked the trend and have seen our best ever numbers so we must be doing something right,” he said.

“We have had a lot more events and workshops this year which has also helped and are delighted more people are coming to see what we have to offer.”

Beck Isle Museum, which is housed in a Grade II listed building, has about 125 volunteers aged from 15 to 89 and is managed by a group of trustees. Their work was recognised in the Ryedale Rural Community Awards held in October when the museum was nominated for the Rural Community Group.

Mr Dowson said they had a number of plans for the forthcoming season.

He said: “We are looking at doing workshops on family history as well as printing and photography. We will also be refreshing some of the displays and marking the Queen’s Jubilee and Titanic anniversary.”

Mr Dowson said they would be opening again on February 11.

He said: “We usually open around Easter but last year we moved it forward and had a lot of people in.

“It has been a good year for us with the number of visitors and nomination for the Ryedale Rural Community Award – it is nice to be recognised for the work we do.”