MUSEUM staff are celebrating after welcoming their 2,000th visitor of the year.

The Harwich Society Maritime Museum on Harbour Crescent has seen the footfall quadruple from 2013 with time to spare and curator David Horn is delighted with the turnout.

“It is very pleasing and all of our team have done very well,” said Mr Horn.

“Last year the museum had to close slightly early so perhaps it is a little unfair to compare but I think we have got a good team who each bring something a bit different to the party.”

The 45ft-tall Low Lighthouse underwent a spruce-up before the summer season and Mr Horn believes it has helped attract visitors.

A new model Edme barge and model of a bomb vessel built in 1756 are on show at the museum which will be open at weekends until October 13 when staff will continue to renovate the inside.

The museum is also part of Heritage Weekend where all Harwich Society visitor attractions will be open free of charge.