MORE than £5,000 has been raised by generous folk who answered a desperate plea from Avoncroft Museum to keep it going - but grateful bosses say that money will not even last a month.

The Advertiser reported last month that the Stoke Heath historic buildings museum - England's first open air institution of its kind - was in grave danger of closing.

Avoncroft lost more than £50,000 during the last financial year and it appealed for donations from the public several weeks ago after being forced to shut by the coronavirus outbreak.

That entreaty was answered by more than 240 people, who have donated in excess of £5,500 to the independent museum.

But despite radically cutting costs, Avoncroft's fixed monthly overheads exceed £8,000 while it is closed - and uncertainty continues over when the government will allow such venues to reopen.

“No one could have predicted this pandemic and our priority is to ensure people are safe,” said Nick Sturgess, Avoncroft's acting deputy director.

“That is why we temporarily closed when we did. We are extremely grateful to all the people who have donated money to us so far and continue to support us in other ways.

"We’re monitoring the changing situation and developing plans for re-opening in what could be a very different world.

"Please be assured we’re doing everything we can to enable the museum to re-open again to visitors when it is safe to do so.”

The enforced spring closure was a huge blow to the museum, robbing it of money-spinning events such as traditional St George's Day and May Day celebrations, as well as regular visitors.

Staff and trustees continue to seek grant funding and government support but would welcome donations at www.avoncroft.org.uk/make-a-donation

Alternatively, people can post a cheque (made out to Avoncroft Museum) to Avoncroft Museum, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B60 4JR.

Avoncroft has been running for more than half a century, having opened in 1967, and has rescued and preserved more than 30 historic buildings and structures, including 12 listed.

It is also home to the National Collection of Telephone Kiosks, within its 19-acre grounds.

Before the coronavirus outbreak, the museum had been working towards re-erecting buildings they had recently rescued, including Worcestershire County Cricket Club’s original Victorian cricket pavilion and an 18th-century timber-frame cottage, but all of this is now on hold for the foreseeable future.