TWO museums are forging ahead with a closer working relationship to help promote the history and heritage of Ryedale.

Pickering’s Beck Isle Museum and Ryedale Folk Museum in Hutton-le-Hole are hoping to attract more visitors to the area with the joint project.

Rodge Dowson, manager of Beck Isle Museum, said the museums have always enjoyed a good relationship but they were keen to develop this further with the sharing of skills and promotions.

“We have always complimented rather than conflicted with each other and we now want to take this to another level to promote the museums of Ryedale,” he said.

“This will include a joint team to go to the county shows across the area this summer.

“Our aim is to work more closely together and see how it goes.”

Rodge said they were also in early discussions about possible collections being displayed at the museums.

“The aim is to broaden the appeal of our museums and each of our brochures will advertise the other,” he said.

“This is all about promoting Ryedale and its rich heritage which is almost unique with what it has to offer and something we should all be celebrating.”

Kevin Simms, director of Ryedale Folk Museum, said there was a lot to be gained from the two museums working together.

“We are all under financial constraints these days and working together as a group makes us a lot stronger,” he said.

“This is a very positive way forward for all museums in the area and is something that has been needed for quite a while.”