A NEW era is dawning for a man who has brought history to life for more than 65,000 children in Northwich.

Tom Hughes is leaving Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse in the New Year after 12 years as its community and education officer.

The 38-year-old, who began his career as an archaeologist, has seen the London Road museum change dramatically during his time there, growing from a place dedicated to Northwich's salt heritage to a venue that explores every aspect of the town's 2,000 year history.

Tom, who is passionate about storytelling, music and living history, said: "When I started it was very much The Salt Museum.

"There were so many other stories that weren't being told but that we're important and they started to be incorporated.

"The museum has gone from having less than 50 objects on display to 500 or so now.

"It shows Northwich is more than just salt."

The museum still looks at Northwich's salt history, but set in the wider context of all its industries, life in a market town, transport, archaeology dating back to prehistoric Britain and life in a Victorian workhouse, a significant addition as the museum is housed in the former Northwich Union Workhouse.

Tom said: "This town is 2,000 years old and we've got to represent all of those periods.

"I like the variety - working here has been good fun."

Tom has been behind a number of temporary exhibitions at the museum, including Cheshire dialects, toys and the author Robert Westall.

But working with children and running living history workshops have been his highlights.

"I've seen more than 65,000 schoolchildren here and there are some children now who come here with their own children," he said.

"I've been able to bring some of my own interests in to my work, like story telling, being able to do some dance and bringing bagpipes in.

"When I left university I worked for 18 months as an archaeologist and I thought that was me, I didn't think I'd be working with schools.

"I will miss all the stories of the town, dressing up and working so often with the schools, who have been brilliant."

Samuel Pepys has been Tom's best loved historical character, although his favourite era is medieval.

Tom wanted to thank the community for helping to transform the museum.

"This used to be a very traditional museum but now it's recognised nationally and known for the things it does, and that's because it has community support," he said.

"I want to say thank you to the people of the town and hope they will continue to support Weaver Hall Museum because there's still so much exciting stuff happening."

Tom's new role will be interpretation officer at Norton Priory, in Runcorn, where he will be responsible for creating the stories and displays for a new £4.5 million museum.