A Victorian-themed open day marking the start of the new season at an east Suffolk museum has been hailed as a fantastic success.

Leiston’s Long Shop Museum, described as a “little pocket of industrial Britain in rural Suffolk”, welcomed nearly 400 visitors to Saturday’s event.

Volunteers dressed in period costumes led the guests through a variety of activities including woodcarving and sand-casting.

The museum’s regular attractions were open at no cost and Leiston’s Royal British Legion band performed around the site.

Museum curator Anna Mercer said she hoped the free event would pave the way for an action packed year at the Long Shop.

“We’ve got such a lot happening at the museum and we want more and more people who don’t know what it’s all about to come along and find out,” she said.

“It’s much more than engines – there’s something here for everyone.”

New additions include a steam punk spectacular and events marking the First World War’s centenary.