Seaton Museum, run by the Axe Valley Heritage Association, is planning to move into new premises.

Since 1985 the museum has operated from first floor rooms in the former Town Hall, now the Gateway entertainment complex, that used to be occupied by the De-La-Pole Lodge.

Writing in his annual curator's report for 2021, Freeman of the Town Ted Gosling reveals that talks have taken place between the museum trustees and town council who have offered rooms in their Marshlands headquarters.

Although on the top floor, the rooms will be more suitable because they have a lift.

Mr Gosling said: "The museum started in 1985 and today many of our older visitors and residents can no longer climb the stairs. The time has come for the town council to back the relocation.

"We hold more than 20,000 items that tell the history of the Axe Valley from pre-historic to Roman up to the present day, a small but important fossil collection and so much more. We now need more help to carry us forward."

Mr Gosling said the town council had agreed to help the museum financially, describing the new location as "ideal".

Mr Gosling presented his first exhibition on the history of his home town and since then has undertaken more than 100 exhibitions depicting the history of East Devon and written 40 books on the West Country.

The museum will be open on Saturday, November 27 to support the Seaton Christmas lights and will also be holding their annual Christmas lunch on Sunday, December 12.