Ashby Museum has launched a scheme to raise vital funds via its website.

The museum, on North Street, is run by volunteers and provides a fascinating look at the history of the town and surrounding areas.

But a lack of funding has left the museum's future in doubt over recent years.

Ashby de la Zouch Town Council provides annual funding, but much of that goes in rent.

Last year, Ashby mapping company Bluesky International provided a £1,500 donation when North West Leicestershire District Council announced a proposal to withdraw its £1,500 annual grant to the museum.

The proposal was subsequently amended, but the museum is constantly looking for new sources of income.

That led Ken Hillier, the museum's director, to look at ways of doing just that - and he say businesses can now donate and be mentioned on its website.

He told Ashby Nub News: "We absolutely rely on donations, on sponsorship. So, we've got a new website, and one of the pages that we want to do is sponsorship. 

"That will have the names of the sponsors and a link to their website. 

"Bluesky gave £1,500 pounds and that was an absolute lifesaver. 

"Frankly, local businesses and individuals don't want the museum to close. 

"It's probably true that we are the best-run independent museum in the county.

"We're much more than a little box in North Street. We're a social supporter, if you like."

Mr Hillier also spoke at an Ashby de la Zouch Town Council meeting recently and explained the work it carries out.

• It is the holder of the archives of the Royal British Legion, the Bowls Club, Ashby Civic Society, the Speaker's Club and the Boys' Grammar School Boarding records; 
• It has a comprehensive photography collection and has a number of artefacts associated with the town; 
• The museum is not just about Ashby, it also covers a wider district including Staunton Harold, Coleorton, Smisby and Blackfordby; 
• It deals with enquiries from all over the world, Europe and the UK, largely related to family history; 
• It welcomes a number of schools as well as the Brownies, Rainbows and Guides. Bespoke visits also take place; 
• The museum undertakes walks and talks throughout the summer months; 
• It has an outreach function which includes talks to the British Legion, Inner Wheel, Bright Hope and a stall at Jim's Tractor Run & Family Fun Day. 

It was explained that, fundamental to the museum's success has been the 30-year-long partnership with Ashby Town Council, both financial and social. 

Councillors were told that the Town Council's consistent support ensures the Museum can plan ahead, knowing its future is secure. 

Simon Aked, the treasurer of the museum, reported that the annual financial contribution from the Town Council of £9,000 is crucial to the survival of the museum adding: "without it, we close."