A MUSEUM celebrating the rich and varied story of a Herefordshire town has said may have to close if it can't find more volunteers.

Kington Museum, on Mill Street, depicts the history of the town and outlying districts from prehistoric times up to the present day.

It first opened in June 1986 and is housed in what were the stables of the long defunct King’s Head Inn.

It is home to many weird and wonderful treasures from Herefordshire's past.

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One of the favourite exhibitions in the museum is the bones of Nellie the elephant which were found in 1988 while builders were digging the foundations for a new house in the town.

Most of the bones were recovered and are now on display in the museum.

The elephant belonged to Chapman’s Circus and note of its arrival and demise was recorded in 1932.

The story of Nellie’s demise was long recounted in pubs for many years in Kington, becoming part of local folklore.

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Other displays in the museum include a selection of Roman coins, a replica model railway of the old station in the town.

There are several frequently changing exhibitions and displays.

At present these include World War I, farming, milling, Church Street through time, Lady Hawkins School, the 1950s and a fine collection of clocks.

Volunteer Chris Jones said the future of the museum could be under threat if it cant find any more helpers.

He helps run the Museum on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.

Mr Jones said: "My wife and I are here three days a week and if for some reason we couldn't do it, the likelyhood is we would have to close.

"We do have other volunteers but they're not able to commit to more than a few hours here and there."

"It's a great place that showcases the history of the area, and how the town has developed over the years, and we are hoping to be here for many years to come."