BECK Isle Museum in Pickering will not open during 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Dr Mike Pitt, chairperson of the trustees, said they had taken the decision after reviewing the Government guidance.

He said: “We came to the conclusion that it was not practical to welcome visitors to what is essentially a Georgian house.

“Beck Isle is a volunteer-run museum and most of our volunteers are retired people, who are particularly vulnerable to the virus. Considering our responsibilities towards our volunteers and visitors, we felt that we simply could not open for the 2020 season.”

Volunteers will be able to take part in museum projects while working towards opening in 2021.

The museum would also like to hear from anyone interested in restoring three bicycles. For more information on volunteering at Beck Isle, email info@beckislemuseum.org.uk