VOLUNTEERS have launched an appeal after funds raised to support Malton Museum were stolen.

The donation box was taken from museum in Yorkersgate on the morning of Saturday, May 4.

Kim Davies, exhibition project manager at the museum, said: “The donation box was a wooden structure, over a metre high with signage on top.

“It is very saddening to have something like this happen, especially when volunteers work so hard to keep the museum going.

“However, we are absolutely determined to not let this incident dishearten our work here.

“Malton Museum is free entry, so everyone can enjoy discovering the history of the town.

“It is a charity that relies heavily on the support of donations.

“The museum is now launching a campaign to help raise funds to replace the donations box.”

Malton Museum opened for a new season on April 20 with the launch of a new exhibition Malton Horse Power. The exhibition, which runs until November 2, celebrates the role of horses throughout the history of Malton and Norton.

Malton Museum’s summer lecture programme begins on Wednesday, May 29, at 7pm, when Dr Melanie Giles and Dr Kate Giles share an insight into the farm graffiti of the Yorkshire horse lads. The lecture is the first of a four-part series which is running over the summer and will be held at the Assembly Rooms above the Museum.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: “The person responsible for stealing a donation box from Malton Museum should be ashamed of themselves.

“Anyone with any information about the person responsible for this should phone North Yorkshire Police on 101.

“Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

To make a donation, go to maltonmuseum.co.uk