Swaffham Mayor Mrs Shirley Matthews formally reopened the museum for the new season and viewed the new-look gallery, which currently houses a schooldays-themed exhibition featuring toys, books and photographs.

The chairman of the Friends of the Museum, Ben Emmerson, said: "Our plan is to change the display three or four times a year. I would especially like to see more local photographs of the way things used to be."

He expected the new gallery and exhibition to prove popular with Swaffham youngsters. "We have got competitions for children and a quiz list for them to take round," he said.

Local children are already keen visitors to the Howard Carter Gallery, with its special effects and reconstruction of the tomb of Tutankhamun.

The museum is open from 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday, until Christmas.

More volunteers are needed to act as stewards in the museum and do behind-the-scenes work. Anyone who can help is asked to contact Mr James Dean, 01760 720756 or email dean994@btinternet.com