IT was celebration time this week at Bradford's National Media Museum after it was awarded £2 million of funding to help secure its future.

But in many ways the hard work is just beginning for bosses at the stalwart city-centre attraction.

Last year's closure threat shone a spotlight on the museum's struggles, from funding shortages to declining visitor numbers and exhibitions showing their age.

And while welcome, the latest investment - of £1 million from Bradford Council and £1 million from the Science Museum Group - doesn't offer a permanent solution on its own.

But bosses believe they can use the new cash to refocus the museum, giving more prominence to teaching young people about the technology and science skills that underpin the film, television and photography industries.

By doing so they hope to attract more permanent funding from Government departments or other bodies wanting to encourage the country's young people to consider careers in so-called STEM industries (science, technology, engineering and maths).

Museum director Jo Quinton-Tulloch said while the museum excelled in showcasing the arts aspects of its collections, through for example its photography exhibitions, it could do far more to explain the mechanics behind the still and moving image.

She said: "We feel very strongly that by opening out and exploring that science and technology aspect of our collections we can really provide opportunities for young people in Bradford and the region."

And it Is hoped this will then feed into the wider regeneration of the city.

Miss Quinton-Tulloch said this new strategy had been shaped by discussions with Bradford Council ahead of its £1million investment.

She said: "Part of this strategy has been because of the conversations we have had with Bradford Council. We know what we are proposing aligns with their priorities."

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Bradford Council's executive member for employment, skills and culture, said the authority's investment was not just good news for the Media Museum "but also for Bradford".

She added: "The Media Museum is a key cultural asset for this district and this funding will add to what is already there by providing a broader offering at the museum."

In particular, the museum will use its latest investment to create a brand new interactive gallery focused on science and technology, which it is hoped will also drive up visitor numbers.

Miss Quinton-Tulloch said while visitors didn't have to pay an entry fee, they brought other financial benefits.

She said: "We are going to be improving the experience here, so we will be increasing attendance.

"People will be coming more to the museum and that in turn generates money for us, in sales in the shop and the cafe etc, so there are always knock-on effects in that sense."

Earlier this year, it was revealed that visitor numbers to the National Media Museum had hit a ten-year low.

This drop was said to be mainly down to fewer people attending its cinemas, so the museum also wants to bring in a commercial operator to help run one or more of them.

The museum has three cinemas, the UK's first Imax as well as the more arthouse Pictureville and Cubby Broccoli venues.

It is understood a partnership with a commercial cinema operator could bring significant investment into the cinema and particularly digital upgrades to the Imax's ageing equipment.

Miss Quinton-Tulloch said they were now in advanced discussions with a commercial operator, but remained tight-lipped about which firm this was.

She said: "It is going very well and we are anticipating an announcement soon."

And she added that securing a commercial partner was a "really important part of the way we are moving this organisation forward".