Haverfordwest Town Museum has been revealing the challenges faced by Wales' smaller museums to shadow Culture Minister Paul Davies.

The Preseli Pembrokeshire AM visited the museum in Castle House and was shown around by curator Simon Hancock.

"I was deeply impressed by the museum which is a fascinating resource for our schoolchildren and which is kept afloat by a loyal band of volunteers," said Mr Davies.

Mr Hancock is paid as a part time manager for the museum but more than 2,000 volunteer hours were put into the museum by 16 helpers last year alone.
"As Paul is our local AM and also the shadow Culture Minister I wanted to introduce the museum and to make him aware of what we offer," said Mr Hancock, who is also Neyland's County Councillor.

"I also told him of the challenges faced by smaller museums operating in Wales. We were delighted that he was able to visit and pleased to get his support."

The museum gets a grant of £1,600 a year from the county council but its largest benefactor is Haverfordwest Town Council.

Mr Davies is now writing to the county council to see if they can provide any more funding for the museum, especially in the run up to marking Haverfordwest's 900th anniversary in 2010.

*Haverfordwest Town Museum currently has a Horrible Homicides of Haverfordwest exhibition running. It costs just £1 per adult for entry and it's free for children and those in education. Call 01437 763087 for details.