A HAMPSHIRE museum devoted to novelist Jane Austen, who died in Winchester, is calling for more volunteers to help out.

Jane Austen’s House Museum in Chawton, near Alton, needs house stewards and also attendants for a range of future events including musical evenings, lectures and talks.

The extra people are needed following the building of a new learning centre and the opening of new rooms including the kitchen and a shop.

House manager Ann Channon said: “We are all very excited about the changes that are taking place at the museum, but realise that we will need more help in future to operate the site.”

The museum was established in 1949 in the house Jane, her mother and her sister Cassandra moved to in 1809.

This year sees the bicentenary of that move and the museum will be celebrating this event on Sunday July 5 with a family celebration day and other events including a special day for the children of Chawton Primary School.

Anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering at the museum should contact Janet Johnstone at the museum on 01420 83262 or 07740 717601 or emailing enquiries@jahmusm.org.uk