FOR every world class collection - celebrating railways in York, or science and natural history in London - there are dozens of small, independent museums.

Think of the Ryedale Folk Museum, the Richard III Museum, Fairfax House, and it quickly becomes clear how much they enrich our area.

Now, though, they could be under threat because of a change to the Gift Aid scheme. These attractions often survive on thin margins and any reduction to their income could prove deadly.

This Government has done much to boost cultural life by restoring free admission to national museums. Now it must think again on Gift Aid to protect their smaller cousins.

Updated: 11:31 Thursday, June 16, 2005