A KIDDERMINSTER museum is looking for new volunteers to join its devoted team and continue showcasing the town’s rich carpet legacy.

The Museum of Carpet, which opened in 2012, wants new recruits to donate their time and energy and join its team of around 40 volunteers.

Museum manager Sue Hetherington said: “We are only a small museum and can only afford a few paid staff, and without our volunteers we could not function.”

Previous experience in the carpet industry or an intimate knowledge of its history is not required.

The museum displays two working power looms, an Axminster spool loom and an early 20th century Wilton Jacquard loom, as well as pre-industrial hand-looms that are operated by volunteers.

There are also opportunities to work in the museum shop, or behind the scenes doing administrative work.

Volunteer David Grayland said: “Kidderminster was the world capital of woven carpet for 200 years from about 1775 to around 1975, and should continue to be celebrated.”

William Kendrick, museum assistant, said: “Any heritage organisation only succeeds if it gives the visitor a good experience, and the volunteers make such a difference.”

Sue added: “You can have the best building and the best objects but it’s the volunteers that really bring it to life.

"They are the life blood of the museum - They are so welcoming to visitors and are proud to be a part of the museum.”

People interested can find out more at museumofcarpet.org/volunteering.