The town's mayor has praised Bridport Museum after it recently reopened after lockdown, and is encouraging residents and visitors to take a look inside.

Bridport mayor, Councillor Ian Bark, recently visited the museum in South Street.

He said: "Having its doors open again has provided a boost for the museum staff and volunteers who have all been feeling extremely frustrated during the period they have not been able to share what must be one of the jewels of Bridport with the wider public.

"That said, there has been a great deal of work quietly going on behind the scenes. For example, a group of volunteers have taken advantage of the enforced closure to spruce up the museum and give it a thorough clean before reopening."

Much of Bridport Museum's ground floor is dedicated to the history of the rope and net making industry, which Bridport is famous for.

Cllr Bark said the rope making demonstration was "a highlight of any visit to the museum" and he had a go at turning the wheel to make a rope before venturing upstairs to enjoy its numerous displays

Cllr Bark added: "Everyone made me feel very welcome and their enthusiasm and dedication to the museum and its contents was very evident.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the museum. It has to be one of the 'must go' places in town for locals and visitors alike. If you think you know Bridport, think again. I learn something new every time I visit and I know there is much more to learn."

Bridport Museum was awarded £50,000 from the Government's Cultural Recovery Fund.

Cllr Bark said: "When I spoke to Karen Hunt, chairman of Bridport Museum Trust, she told me that the museum welcomes this much-needed grant and the continued support of Dorset Council and Bridport Town Council, as well as the local community. 'During these challenging times, it is so gratifying to see visitors return to enjoy our wonderful museum. Just pop in when you are passing. But if you are not ready yet or want more, have a look at some of the Bridport stories on the museum website – from the Bridport tiger to the town's connections with slavery'."

The museum is currently open from 11am to 2pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. For more information, visit Bridport Museum's website.