THE Museum of Dartmoor Life is gearing up for its opening for the new season next week, with activities and the exciting prospect of running the town's tourist information centre.

The museum opens again on Monday, April 7. The opening will have children's Easter themed activities including Easter egg letterboxing and a hunt for the Dartmoor Piskies.

On April 9 and April 16, the Easter themed fun continues with Easter egg decorating. All activities are free but admission charges do apply.

The major development for the museum in 2014 is that the museum will now be the home of Okehampton's Tourist Information Centre.

Following West Devon Borough Council's decision last April to cease funding the tourist information centres in Okehampton and Tavistock, the museum has stepped in to ensure that visitors to Okehampton will continue to have access to information about attractions, things to do and accommodation.

The museum's reception and shop has been refurbished and will stock leaflets about local attractions, maps, guidebooks and locally made souvenirs and crafts.

The museum relies on a dedicated team of volunteers and welcomes anyone who has a few hours to spare each week. With the opening of the tourist information centre, the museum is looking for knowledgeable and friendly people from across West Devon to welcome visitors.

Additional volunteers are also needed to help with gardening, maintenance, events and documenting and conserving the collection.

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Andrew Thompson by e-mail on [email protected]">[email protected] or phone 01837 52295.

The museum, shop and gallery will be open Monday to Friday from 10.15am to 4.15pm, and on Saturdays from 10.15am to 1pm. For more information call 01837 52295.