Volunteers will have put in almost 7,000 hours to help run Saffron Walden Museum by the end of the year.

Help has been in high demand to pack artefacts for a big move from a leaky storage facility in Newport to a custom built store on the Shire Hill Estate in Saffron Walden.

Leah Mellors, collections officer for human history at Saffron Walden Museum, said: “We hope the move will start in August. It [the new store] means that objects can be cared for a lot better.

“Just to have something that is actually purpose built is so much better.

“The volunteers work isn’t done because they will be helping with the move.”

A team of 20 volunteers, trained in how to pack objects using specialist conservation materials, have loaded up more than 1,400 boxes after packing everyday for the last six months.

Ms Mellors added: “We couldn’t remain open without the help of volunteers. They are such a massive help and we are always looking for new volunteers.

“Without them we would close and we have people who have been coming in for years.”

Museum volunteers have already given up 1,169 hours for the big store move alone this year.

Saffron Walden Museum is located on Museum Street and is open 10am to 5pm from Tuesday to Saturday, and 2pm to 5pm on Sundays and bank holidays. For more information on how to volunteer visit: www.saffronwaldenmuseum.swmuseumsoc.org.uk