The Bushey Museum is appealing for a volunteer to take over its souvenir shop after the current manager announced he is stepping down after 12 years.

Mike Wakelin, of Avenue Rise, has been sorting displays and managing cash flow in the popular shop since 1999 but is stepping aside to concentrate on other areas of the registered charity.

The 72-year-old says he has enjoyed his time in charge of an area of the museum visited by hundreds of schoolchildren and interested historians every year.

The former estate agent said: “I have tried to ring the changes and make the place look interesting over the years. I like the local community and volunteering here means you get to meet people with an interest in Bushey - it is great to meet people with different memories of the village.”

Mr Wakelin’s retirement from the role has left the organisation in need of a volunteer capable of giving up a few hours a week to manage the shop, which is staffed by Bushey Museum stewards.

Hugh Lewis, chairman of the Bushey Museum Trust, said: “We have so far been unsuccessful in attracting anyone to the job. The beauty of it is it is very flexible and in total it is probably only half a day’s work per week.

“If we didn’t have anyone doing this job, the shop would grind to halt and it is a fundamental part of the museum.”

If you are interested in volunteering, telephone Hugh Lewis at the museum on 02084204057.