A PLEA has been issued for people to back under-threat Bewdley Museum as it prepares to celebrate its 30th birthday.

Wyre Forest District Council needs to make £3 million budget cuts over two years and will withdraw funding next April.

A working group is battling to secure the museum's future - and there will be a chance for people to rally round on Saturday, July 13, when a day of celebration will take place to mark the 30th anniversary of its opening by Princess Alexandra. Bethany Spark, Rose Johnson and David Clarke of Offmore First School get set for a blitz and evacuation day.

And to mark the occasion there will be free admission between 11am and 5pm - a step which one expert claims needs to be made permanent if the Load Street attraction is to thrive.

Simon Penn, business manager at Bromsgrove's Avoncroft Museum, has produced an independent report outlining what he feels needs to be done to safeguard the museum.

He argues the removal of admission charges would produce a "substantial increase" in visitors, while a member of staff made responsible for fundraising and "audience development" would allow the museum to boost community partnerships.

Mr Penn added the museum is suffering a "crisis of confidence".

"This is a pity because it is a smashing museum with immense untapped potential," he said.

Museum services officer Carol Bowsher said: "This is a perfect opportunity to sample the exhibitions and activities that we have to offer. We have arranged workshops and quizzes suitable for people of all ages."

Bewdley Museum Society chairman Robert Barbour added: "With a degree of uncertainty surrounding the museum's future, I would urge local people in particular to support these events."

Meanwhile, schools are taking part in a Blitz and Evacuation programme designed to bring all the sounds and emotions of the Second World War to life.

The museum also hosts an On the Homefront display on Saturday and Sunday in conjunction with Severn Valley Railway's 1940s event.