Allerdale Borough Council (ABC) has announced that Maryport Maritime Museum is due to reopen by Easter after handing over the attraction to a local community group.

The Maritime Heritage Group (MHG) has been awarded a licence from the local authority that will enable it to maintain the museum and its collection of maritime exhibits.

ABC staff will provide assistance with the day-to-day running of the museum, while public funding is also being made available through a grant to the enthusiasts.

MHG spokesperson Joe Kewen said: "We now need to get into the museum and begin organising the exhibition, so we anticipate opening in time for the Good Friday Bank Holiday on 22 April.

"The museum will be temporarily closed for another three months but people can be safe in the knowledge that when it re-opens it will be in the hands of local enthusiasts who have the funds to ensure that it gets off to a good start."

Image (from left): ABC deputy leader David Wilson with Steve Fox; Susan Fox; and Mary Heart of the Maritime Heritage Group