BARNSLEY Museums and Heritage Trust celebrated its tenth anniversary recently with a special event at the college.

Since its inception, the trust has raised more than £2.6m which has supported nine Barnsley Museums staff posts, 73 community projects, improved six community buildings and conserved or acquired 56 items for the museum collection.

David Exley, chair of trustees, said: “I am immensely proud to be the chair of Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust which is this year celebrating ten years since the charity was founded.

“Over the past decade, our organisation has grown from a hopeful vision into a powerful force for protecting the stories, places and traditions that make our borough so distinctive.

“Together we have raised more than £2.5m, a remarkable achievement made possible only through the dedication, generosity and belief of my fellow trustees, past and present, our supporters, partners and volunteers.”

Coun Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “It was a privilege to have attended the celebration event to mark ten years of Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust.

“There’s no denying the impact BMHT has on culture and heritage in Barnsley and it’s amazing to have their constant support and backing. Congratulations to them on a brilliant decade and here’s to another ten successful years of BMHT supporting Barnsley’s rich history.”