SIDMOUTH Museum celebrated a “remarkable” year after welcoming a record 15,076 visitors, say its Sid Vale Association backers.

SIDMOUTH Museum celebrated a ‘remarkable’ year after welcoming a record 15,076 visitors, according to its Sid Vale Association backers.

Donations to the attraction were also higher than ever before and its shop celebrated substantial retail profits, said curator Dr Bob Symes OBE.

Highs came at the end of a year in which the Church Street hub was awarded full accreditation status by Museum Libraries and Archives of the United Kingdom.

However, the museum has said farewell to hard-working staff who have opted to retire.

Collections leader Maureen Church stood down after 20 years service.

Museum secretary Jimmy Lynch, front house manager Norma Pearce and treasurer Roy Cooper have also called it a day.

“We will miss all of them and thank them for their skills and dedication over the years,” said Dr Symes.

“It will be hard for the museum to be as efficient for some time, but several volunteers have come forward and we hope, after training, they will enjoy playing a full role in activities.”

Dr Symes added the museum hopes to complete the second phase of its Regency and Victoriana exhibit after being awarded a grant of �3,000.