AN Earby mining museum has been given a lifeline after receiving a generous donation.

There were fears that the Yorkshire Dales Mining Museum, housed in the listed former Earby Grammar School on School Lane, would close after an annual grant of £2,500 from Pendle Council came to an end.

But a donor, who wanted to remain anonymous, has given £2,500 which will keep the museum open for at least another 12 months.

"It's fantastic news," said Earby councillor Rosemary Carroll, a trustee and treasurer for the museum. "We're really thrilled and over the moon.

"We're looking the future, we just need to get a few more trustees and volunteers on board. Even a couple of hours a week would help us out."

She also said that people with a variety of skills, including those with a marketing background, would be very welcome.

"We want to market the museum properly, which would help us move forward," said Cllr Carroll. "We'd like the museum to flourish."

Anyone who can help as a trustee or volunteer is encouraged to ring Cllr Carroll on 01282 844127 or email her at rosemary@carro-step.co.uk