BRIXHAM Heritage Museum is forging ahead with the 2010 season with a selection of new displays and activities, but is calling for more volunteers to lend a hand.

Extra stewards are needed to help welcome visitors since the museum opened full time on March 30.

Secretary Lesley Smith said: "All that is necessary is to spare the occasional half a day and to greet the visitors in a friendly manner."

This year, the town centre museum boasts a bigger Berry Head exhibition complete with a revamped sentry box with a Napoleonic Guard on duty, a model of a 3lb canon and five information panels about the history of the fort and the lives of its soldiers and their families.

Museum curator Dr Philip Armitage said: "The information is personal rather than purely military. We wanted a human aspect to it.

"There are stories of the wives of the solders and the story of George Guthrie who became an assistant surgeon at the age of 16 in 1801."

Dr Armitage and the museum's manager Stephen Bardwell have also been working on artifacts that have been excavated at Berry Head including a rare shako hat plate badge for the 28th Drum Majors, dating back to 1811, plus a double-faced swivel letter seal.

A host of activities are taking place at the museum over the coming months.

There is a children's activity day on April 12, where youngsters will use computers and cameras to help to compile a visitors' book which will act as an alternative source of information for people who are unable to climb the stairs.

The session is open to children aged eight and above and can be booked by phoning 01803 856267

Local historian John Risdon will be in the museum on April 26 to talk about the John Musgrove Trail based around the River Dart.

The museum is also the venue for the Family History group which meets there on alternative Thursday evenings.

Family history researchers attend to help members trace their ancestors from all over Britain.

Each session is £5.

Lesley said: "Many more things are planned throughout the year which we hope will encourage locals and holidaymakers to come and visit this busy little centre."