THE Weavers' Triangle Toll House museum in Burnley, is 21 years old on Thursday but its future is in the balance unless younger helpers can be found.

It was on July 26, 1980, that the museum in Manchester Road was opened by journalist and broadcaster Brian Redhead.

At that time the museum was housed in just two rooms of the former canal toll office but in 1987 it expanded into the adjoining Wharfmaster's House and became the Weavers' Triangle visitor centre.

Over the years the centre has won many national awards and commendations and in 1986 was visited by the Prince of Wales.

Brian Hall, chairman of the Weavers' Triangle Trust, the voluntary organisation which runs the centre, said: "It has become an important attraction for Burnley, over the past fortnight there have been visitors from Italy, Romania, Australia, New Zealand and Canada."

Mr Hall added: "We have had a very successful 21 years but most of our helpers are now pensioners and we urgently need younger people to help with the administration and eventually take over the running of the centre.

"Anyone who is able and willing to help can contact us at the centre but if we did not get younger helpers soon the future of the visitor centre is in the balance."

The centre is open every afternoon from Saturday to Wednesday between 2pm and 4pm until the end of September and on Sundays in October.

There is no charge for admission but donations would be welcome.