Museums across Wales will have to be "smart and innovative" in order to attract new audiences and encourage more volunteers, according to the Welsh Assembly Government.

Welsh heritage minister Alun Ffred Jones launched the country's "first-ever" museum strategy at Swansea Museum, which addresses three key areas for attractions to focus on over the next five years.

The strategy calls on museums to contribute towards communities and promote lifelong learning opportunities; continue the preservation and development of collections; and manage sites more effectively.

Attractions will have to develop ways of encouraging more volunteers to get involved; to attract a younger audience; to share exhibitions with other sites; and help with efforts to grow the Welsh language.

Jones said: "The museums of Wales play a critical part in both preserving this rich heritage and in sharing the excitement of their stories locally, nationally and internationally.

"Our first national museums strategy for Wales offers realistic actions that museums can take to improve services and demonstrate the benefits of museums to everybody."

Image: National Museum Cardiff