THERE was an excellent turnout when Bromsgrove Museum opened its doors to the public for the first time in six years.

Last week the Bromsgrove Advertiser revealed that campaigners were now looking to buy the Steps House building and reopen the museum at this location.

The Friends of the Norton Collection Charitable Trust need to raise the purchase price of £250,000 by the first week in March.

To promote the campaign the old Birmingham Road museum, which closed in 2008, was opened to the public for a special one-off weekend on February 8 and 9.

As well as classic items from the Norton Collection being back on display, there were also new items including an image of the construction of Liverpool's Liver Birds, made by Bromsgrove Guild.

The old museum's weekend opening has been hailed a success by Dennis Norton - the former leader of Bromsgrove District Council who donated his lifetime's collection of artefacts to the museum.

He said around 1,000 people attended, while hundreds also showed an interest in becoming a member of the trust and supporting the fund-raising initiative.

"It was a very good weekend," Mr Norton said.

"There was a lot of interest from people about taking the museum to Steps House.

"I want to thank the helpers, trustees and the public for their support."

Anyone who was unable to make the weekend, but is interested in supporting the trust, is asked to write to Mr Norton at the Forge, Broad Green, B60 1LW.

Anyone interested in donating money towards the campaign is asked to contact the trust’s secretary, Sandra Parker, by writing to 14 Waterloo Road, Bidford-on-Avon, Alcester, B50 4PJ.