A CALENDAR comprising 12 stunning photographs showcasing the beauty of Wotton-under-Edge is hoped to help in the fight to preserve the town's history.

The calendar, produced by Wotton Heritage Centre each year, raises vital funds for the Heritage Centre Support Fund, allowing the museum to continue as a prime destination for tourists and those interested in local history.

Jeff Walshe from the centre urged people in the area to spend some money on the calendar and invest in keeping Wotton’s history alive.

“We hope the public will buy our calendars as it is important we raise essential funds for the centre,” said Mr Walshe.

“Last year we started an ambitious programme to preserve the artefacts – of which there are thousands – for the long-term, while saving the museum from closing in the short-term.

“We have had to increase fundraising activities quite a lot in order to provide equipment and materials for preservation, while at the same time find money to pay our running costs.

“With the former, it is possible to attract grants, and we have been moderately successful there, however, there is virtually no money available to provide for running the centre, which is where the bulk of our efforts are placed at the moment.”

With no direct or regular income for the centre, resources are drying up, creating a need for increased fundraising activities, but Mr Walshe said he and other volunteers remain optimistic about the future.

He continued: “We are very positive about the future of the centre. We have made substantial improvements already and look forward to the challenges ahead.

“It is essential to retain and preserve Wotton’s history.”

The calendar, which is made up of a series of 12 photographs of Wotton taken during the summer, has received sponsorship from 12 businesses in the town.

Priced at £6, the calendars are available in various outlets in Wotton, including the Heritage Centre.