AVONCROFT Museum of Historic Buildings in Bromsgrove is on the lookout for volunteers to help them bring the past to life.

The recruitment drive is part of a major initiative to engage with visitors to the museum and hopefully leave them feeling inspired.

The initiative is part of ‘Animating Worcestershire’s Museums’ which plans to introduce specialist volunteer teams to the county’s museums.

The volunteers will be asked to dress up in historically accurate costumes, as well as being given training in how to bring some of the stories from behind the museum’s collection to life.

There are also opportunities for volunteers to join the specialist teams that maintain and operate Avoncroft’s iconic 19th century windmill and to staff the UK’s national telephone kiosk collection, which is also based at the museum.

Volunteers don’t have to have any prior knowledge of any of the buildings on-site, but they do need to be enthusiastic and committed, and have a genuine interest in history as well as being happy to interact with members of the public.

The volunteers will receive training before they start in the job, as well as getting ‘on the job’ training to help them develop skills and confidence.

Museum director, Simon Carter, said: “We are thrilled to be a key partner in bringing our county’s history to life. Our visitors tell us how much they enjoy talking knowledgeable people and this project gives us a fantastic opportunity to have costumed interpreters in our buildings more often.”

Peter Knott, area director for Arts Council England, added: “Investing in museums is important if we are to make the most of our country’s heritage and the rich cultural offer it presents.”

Anyone interested in volunteering at the museum should contact Julia Morris at Avoncroft, by writing to volunteer@avoncroft.org.uk.