HISTORY was made in Minehead on Monday as the town’s first ever museum was officially opened at the Beach Hotel.

Minehead Mayor Val Welch was on hand to cut the ribbon as members and volunteers of the Minehead Museum, the Minehead Conservation Society and Minehead Development Trust joined the celebrations.

Mayor Welch said: “This is wonderful news for Minehead, it’s been a long time coming and everyone has worked so hard to get it going and they should all be so pleased with themselves.

“This is something which I hope the people of Minehead and visitors to the town enjoy and its situated in such a fantastic place, it’s brilliant.”

Minehead Museum Company chairman Joe Passmore said: “Around 12 months ago we didn’t think this was possible, and then a series of random events took place which have led to our opening today.

“The first was West Somerset Council employing Stephen Hooper as the Minehead Development Trust vision manager, and then the Beach Hotel was taken over by the YMCA, who have been wonderful help and support.

“We’ve wanted to have a museum in Minehead for many years and hope to expand on what we’ve done with your help.”

The museum is part of a ‘Heritage Hub’ in the old Steamers Bar with a café and Minehead Information Centre.

It joins the other niche museums of the area, providing information about the past of Minehead and Alcombe.

The first display is about ‘Minehead at War’.

It’s been over 40 years since a campaign started to create a museum in Minehead.

Julian Luke, chairman of the management committee for Minehead Museum said: “I am very pleased that the museum has finally opened and that Minehead now has somewhere to display its history.

“So many people have been working hard to get this off the ground and thank you to everyone who has donated time, money, and their bits of history for us to display.”

Justine Baker said: “I am particularly over the moon that the Baker family have donated so much to the museum.”

Harrison Baker said: “I’m excited to see pictures of my family in the museum.”

Minehead’s Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm. For more details email mineheadmuseum@btconnect.com