VISITOR numbers are booming at Burtonwood Museum and young historians are now hot on the trail of Second World War memorabilia.

The museum, which is on the former RAF Burtonwood base, is open to the public every weekend and now school children are being invited to step back in time and view the exhibitions.

Pupils from Eaves Primary School in St Helens were the first to pay a visit last Friday morning and they enjoyed looking at the gas masks and army vehicles.

Three weeks ago, members of the Burtonwood Association said volunteers at the heritage centre were outnumbering visitors following the closure of Burtonwood Road.

But now people - including youngsters - are flocking to the museum to get a taste of war life and take a ride in one of the Jeeps.

One volunteer, who helps to organise the school visits, said: "There were 29 children who visited the museum last week for a tour.

"They handled some of the artefacts like the gas masks, had a look round the heritage centre and had a ride in one of

the Jeeps."

Staff are putting together information guides for the children as well as teaching packs for schools and anyone who would like to know more about the school visits can contact the school liaison officer on 01744 884361.