KEIGHLEY’S Cliffe Castle Museum has enjoyed a successful past year.

Staff told the annual general meeting of the museum’s Friends that there had been a growing number of visitors, interesting exhibitions and the acquisition of new exhibits.

But it was stressed there was a continuing need for repairs and renovations to make the museum an attraction for both local visitors and those from further afield.

Michael Scarborough, the Friends’ chairman, said the group had also enjoyed a successful year, with well-attended speaker meetings and fundraising activities to support the museum’s work.

In the second part of the meeting, speaker Jim Baxter took on the character of Frederick Butterfield, a previous owner of the property, and took members through the history of his and his family’s life.

He explained Mr Butterfield’s background and his successful business life. , both in Britain and abroad. During his time in America, he married a member of the Roosevelt family.

The next season of talks will begin in October.