THERE are just days left to support Kidderminster Carpet Museum's campaign to secure its future after the coronavirus pandemic.

The Museum of Carpet has reached its initial target to raise £8,000 to help it survive during the closure period, but with lockdown on museums likely to extend into July, trustees are asking for support as they prepare for the challenge of recovering income to pre-coronavirus levels.

Trustee Vicky Bagnall said: "We have been overwhelmed by the amazing response to this campaign and would like to thank everyone who has donated so far.

"The response shows that there is huge support for the museum which showcases Kidderminster’s industrial and social heritage, and for a gallery space for the community.

"If you have not yet made your donation, it is not too late to do so, and you will be helping to ensure that this local gem has a secure future."

As an independent museum and charity, the museum receives no regular support from local or central government. Its income comes solely from admission fees, events, room hires and through sales at its shop, which all dried up when the museum closed in March to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

For an uncertain period of time, trustees say this posed a real threat to the survival of the museum.

There have been over 200 pledges from individuals, business and groups - many of whom are from families who worked in the carpet industry in Kidderminster.

Now, trustees have begun to consider the wider implications of the lockdown - the adjustments they will need to make on reopening and the challenge of getting income back up to its usual level while abiding by social distancing guidelines.

The fundraising campaign has been extended until June 10 in an effort to raise an extra £4,000. To donate, visit crowdfunder.co.uk/kidderminster-museum-of-carpet.

The Carpet Museum Trust was founded in 1981 with the aim of establishing a museum for the exhibition of items of local historical and educational interest connected with the manufacture of carpets.

Its collection includes machinery, designs and a large archive of ledgers, board minutes and accounts from the many carpet manufacturers based around the town.

The museum also houses the only archive of original copies of The Shuttle newspaper after they were rescued from Dudley Record Office.