EXTRA opening hours have been approved for the popular Helmshore Mills Textile Museum – due to public demand.

Repeated trials of longer seasons at the venue over the past three years have proved there is a market for extending its traditional April to October run.

County council officials believe that the move, opening for 43 weeks, instead of the current 31, could even generate a small profit.

County Coun Marcus Johnstone, Lancashire’s cultural services cabinet member, said: “The extended opening hours proved to be very successful during the trial.

“Over the past two-and-a- half years, they not only covered the costs of the extended hours, but also made some money through admission fees, along with sales in the café and shop.

“The museum will now be open for 12 additional weeks a year.

“Our estimates suggest there will be an additional 3,500 to 4,000 visitors to the museum, thanks to this longer season, running from February half- term through to the first Sunday in December.

“We’re pleased that more people will be able to visit the museum and find out more about Lancashire’s heritage and history,” he added.