Volunteers at a coastal town museum are celebrating after scooping the top prize at a regional awards ceremony.

Southwold Museum was crowned Museum of the Year, ahead of 52 museums shortlisted for the title, at a ceremony held on Monday (October 10) evening.

Simon Loftus, president Southwold Museum and Historical Society, said: 'It is a wonderful tribute to our work, and to all our volunteers - and the best possible way to celebrate as I draw closer to my retirement.'

First opened in 1933, the unique cottage museum documents Southwold's rich tapestry of historical tales through a myriad of objects, paintings, photographs and wildlife exhibits.

'We tell history through stories that are carefully thought about and easy to understand, so visitors of all ages and abilities are not overwhelmed.

'I think Southwold has more history attached to it than most towns and it would be tragic if we were to lose the museum, as these wonderful stories would no longer be heard,' explained Mr Loftus.

Owned and managed by the Southwold Museum and Historical Society this tiny time capsule of a building, houses exhibits spanning the length of time.

From fossil remains and the development of industry to the 20th century transformation of a fishing community into a prosperous seaside resort, all can be enjoyed and viewed by visitors.

Following the recent completion of a £100,000 refit scheme, funded by Heritage Lottery Fund and local organisations, the museum has installed low-energy lighting and increased capacity has enabled the exhibition of relicts which has previously been confined to storage.

For more information www.southwoldmuseum.org

Do you have a Southwold story? Email simon.ward@archant.co.uk or call 01502 525 832