The future of Wells and Mendip Museum is looking more secure after a successful Crowdfunding campaign has raised more than £7,000 for the organisation.

On the Crowdfunder website, the museum has been running a campaign looking for financial support to help it survive the coronavirus lockdown.

The museum team initially set a target of £6,000, but this has been smashed, with more than £7,000 raised at the time of writing (June 9) by 150 supporters.

They have now set a stretch target of £7,500 to be raised by June 17, to help the museum prepare for reopening.

A spokesperson for the museum team said: "We are so excited to have exceeded our £6,000 goal and the future of the museum is looking brighter.

"Any additional funds raised will be invaluable for putting in place the systems necessary for the museum to reopen.

"Plans are already being made for how social distancing and other Covid-19 protection measures might operate.

"Money we raise above our additional target will help to purchase the equipment needed to do so, from protection for volunteers and visitors to additional hygiene supplies.

"Extra funds will also give a much-needed buffer should the current lockdown continue longer than expected, or indeed a second lockdown be necessary. Everyone involved with the museum would like to thank you for all your support."

Several weeks ago Wells and Mendip Museum closed its doors as a result of the unprecedented lockdown, therefore the museum's busy schedule of exhibitions, local community groups and talks had to be cancelled, and the collections and archives were closed to visitors, which threatened the museum's survival.

The museum is an independent self-funded charity. Unlike many museums, it is not funded by local government, relying instead on donations, tickets, venue hire and shop sales.

With the loss of all room bookings, tickets and shop sales, the museum's income has dropped significantly.

The team has taken steps to dramatically reduce outgoings, but it still costs £500 a week to look after the collections and historic listed building.

The museum is an important community hub for many. Groups of all ages, from the U3A to the Young Archaeologists' Club, meet there, and local artists exhibit there.

Long-standing societies, such as the Wells Natural History and Archaeological Society, hold talks at the museum. The walled garden offers a space for garden parties and fairs.

The museum's collections contain material of national significance and are a vital resource for researchers across many disciplines.

The Wells City Archives, housed at the museum, are a unique repository of historic documents and maps from Wells and beyond.

The museum is kept going thanks to the dedication of more than 50 volunteers, from curatorial and library to front-of-house and maintenance.

To donate to the campaign, you can visit the Crowdfunder page here.