A museum display on a marine research organisation has been given a full revamp, after a former employee had described it as 'embarrassing'.

Eastern Daily Press: A new display of items detailing the history of CEFAS has been unveiled at the Lowestoft Maritime museum.A new display of items detailing the history of CEFAS has been unveiled at the Lowestoft Maritime museum. (Image: Archant © 2017)

When retired shellfish scientist David Bennett took his grandchildren to the Lowestoft Maritime Museum, he was far from impressed with the display on Cefas, the organisation he worked with for almost 30 years.

However, with his help, the museum now boasts a display the Pakefield Road-based marine laboratory can be proud of.

He said: 'I think the laboratory is a big part of the local community and has contributed a lot to the history of marine science, so I have a great sense in satisfaction seeing the display as it is now.

'When I brought my grandchildren here originally, the display was just a small board which I thought was embarrassing and a real shame given the role of Cefas in the history of the town.'

Eastern Daily Press: A new display of items detailing the history of CEFAS has been unveiled at the Lowestoft Maritime museum.A new display of items detailing the history of CEFAS has been unveiled at the Lowestoft Maritime museum. (Image: Archant © 2017)

Working alongside museum staff and current Cefas representatives, Mr Bennett helped to pull together a vast array of exhibits to make up the revamped display, some of which he had to purchase online.

Among the items on display are a drift indicator which was made in Beccles and examples of the shellfish he researched while at Cefas.

Jim Aguss, vice-chairman of the museum, said: 'The display has really lightened an area of the museum up and we are pleased to continue our association with Cefas.'

As well as showing artefacts, the display details the history of the organisation - which dates back more than 100 years - as well as documenting some of the work carried out in the laboratory.

Eastern Daily Press: A new display of items detailing the history of Cefas has been unveiled at the Lowestoft Maritime museum.A new display of items detailing the history of Cefas has been unveiled at the Lowestoft Maritime museum. (Image: Archant © 2017)

On being shown the display for the first time, Cefas chief executive Rear Admiral Tom Karsten gave it his seal of approval.

He said: 'I'm delighted to see updated display and to be able to view our contribution to this wonderful museum, which will hopefully provide some context to the fishery science that has been so important over the years.

'I particularly enjoyed seeing some of the history behind the organisation and being able to go through some of the artefacts was a real privilege.

'My thanks go to everybody at the museum, David Bennett and Sarah Carter for making it all happen.'

Eastern Daily Press: A new display of items detailing the history of Cefas has been unveiled at the Lowestoft Maritime museum.A new display of items detailing the history of Cefas has been unveiled at the Lowestoft Maritime museum. (Image: Archant © 2017)

Eastern Daily Press: A new display of items detailing the history of Cefas has been unveiled at the Lowestoft Maritime museum.A new display of items detailing the history of Cefas has been unveiled at the Lowestoft Maritime museum. (Image: Archant © 2017)

Eastern Daily Press: A new display of items detailing the history of Cefas has been unveiled at the Lowestoft Maritime museum. David Bennett with Cefas CEO Tom Karsten and Jim Aguss.A new display of items detailing the history of Cefas has been unveiled at the Lowestoft Maritime museum. David Bennett with Cefas CEO Tom Karsten and Jim Aguss. (Image: Archant © 2017)

Eastern Daily Press: A new display of items detailing the history of CEFAS has been unveiled at the Lowestoft Maritime museum. Alan Ayers, Tom Karsten, Sarah Carter and Jim Aguss.A new display of items detailing the history of CEFAS has been unveiled at the Lowestoft Maritime museum. Alan Ayers, Tom Karsten, Sarah Carter and Jim Aguss. (Image: Archant © 2017)

Eastern Daily Press: A new display of items detailing the history of Cefas has been unveiled at the Lowestoft Maritime museum. Tom Karsten (CEO Cefas) with David Bennett.A new display of items detailing the history of Cefas has been unveiled at the Lowestoft Maritime museum. Tom Karsten (CEO Cefas) with David Bennett. (Image: Archant © 2017)