THE MUSEUM service in Southend has been given funding worth £75,000.

Arts Council England has awarded Southend Council the money which will be used for marketing and publicity including interactive displays and in schools.

It has received the money through the Renaissance programme for English museums.

Southend Museums Service wants to increase the number of family and educational visits through innovative marketing targeting younger people and working in schools.

Derek Jarvis, Southend Council’s portfolio holder for culture, said: “Southend Museums Service already provides wonderful facilities and activities for the town and beyond, and this grant will enable them to educate, inspire, entertain and promote this region’s great heritage to even greater numbers.

“I am delighted that the Arts Council have awarded this funding to the service and I am certain they will use it to deliver exciting exhibitions and give the public even greater access to our collections. ”

Southend is one of four to receive money in the eastern region.