IT has been another productive year for Tavistock Museum with an increase of more than 200 visitors compared with 2013.

A count of entries in the visitors' book showed that the museum was open on approximately 210 days and there were 7,565 visitors — compared with 7,310 in 2013.

Records show that the months of June, July and August were extremely popular for the museum, with August seeing an increase of more than 400 visitors compared with 2013, with 1,749 people walking through its doors off the Guildhall Car Park.

Rod Martin, secretary to the museum trust, said: 'The visitor numbers and donated income has remained at the same high level as last year, which shows that the high levels following the opening of the museum extension can be sustained.

'Our visitor donation income increased from £4,340 in 2013 to £4,550 in 2014.

'This year there have been more tourists in the town which is reflected in an increased number of visitors to the museum during July and August. However, there was a noticeable downturn in visitors to the museum in September and October, when on occasions the town was particularly quiet.'

Graham Kirkpatrick had completed some extensive analysis of the overseas visitors, of which the museum had 379 — 139 from Australia, 60 from New Zealand, 67 from the Netherlands, 92 from the USA, 47 from Canada, 43 from Germany/Austria, and 21 from France/Switzerland.

The main exhibition this year was 'commemorating the departure from Tavistock of the 29th Infantry Division of the US Army 70 years ago' which included photographs and military memorabilia.

Supporting exhibitions were 'The Tavistock Group of Artists' and 'Marie Pearce — a Talented Victorian Miniaturist', organised by Peter Gallie, Jane Miller and Linda Elliott.

During the year it was confirmed by the Cornwall and West Devon Mining World Heritage project office that Tavistock Museum is classified as an area centre, and therefore has responsibility for marketing the WHS and researching the mining activities in this area.

• The museum will re-open on Saturday, March 28, 2015.