NEWTON Abbot Museum has been awarded £2,000 by house builder Persimmon Homes.

The cash is part of the firm’s Community Champions Scheme.

Calum Davies, external affairs manager for Persimmon, explained: ‘In the areas we develop we like to leave a positive and lasting legacy.

‘Part of that is donating money to local good causes and valued organisations like Newton Abbot Museum.

‘It’s in the centre of town and much loved so something of a focal point. Our donation is about making sure that good causes such as this can still be around for the future residents who will be living in our developments in the years to come.’

The gift has been welcomed by Mayor Cllr David Corney-Walker as the museum is funded mainly by Newton Abbot Town Council.

‘Awards such as this are very important and since we moved into Newton’s Place the museum has become a major attraction in the town,’ he said.

‘Any contribution that assists with costs such as new exhibits is very much appreciated.’

Curator India Jolly said: ‘The money will help us look after the items we already have in the collection as well as going towards new exhibitions about the town.

‘It will also support more community engagement so there’s lots we can do and we’re very very grateful.’

With the 2023 season due to end in a few weeks Curatorial Assistant Lucy Cokes is busy preparing for next year.

‘The winter closure is very important for us as we get to change out some of our display cases and this type of funding helps with making sure we’ve got all the right equipment and material we need, and it helps train staff and volunteers too,’ she said.

Among the treats promised for 2024 is a board game creation activity.