A lifeboat museum in Cromer is to close for repair and restoration work this weekend.

The RLNI museum is set to close this Sunday ahead of work planned for its home in Rocket House.

The seafront tourist attraction is named after the RNLI's most decorated crewmember, Cromer lifeboatman Henry Blogg.

The Rocket House Lifeboat Museum and Cafe in Cromer (Image: Denise Bradley)

North Norfolk District Council has committed £1m of funding to the major restoration project, which will see the Rocket House repaired and the museum's collection moved into specialist safe storage this autumn. 

The RNLI was originally set to leave the Rocket House in July, but a short-term lease was agreed by the council's cabinet on May 13.

Specialist storage for lifeboat H.F Bailey has been secured. It is the legendary boat used by Blogg in many of his rescues and is due to be moved later in September.

It comes after the RNLI said the museum had enjoyed a successful summer.

"We had a fantastic summer and offered visitors our usual outstanding experience," says Jacqui Palmer, RNLI heritage development manager.

"Henry Blogg, who we’re named after, is a vital part of our past so it was an extra special summer for us in our 200th year.

"Despite there being so much to do in September to move and store our collection safely, we can’t wait for next year."

The museum is planned to reopen in 2025, once repair and restoration are complete.

The renovations are to come after being called "unjustified" by Conservative district councillors Liz Vickers and Angie Fitch-Tillett in May.

The heritage building, which was ridden with damp issues, was dubbed a "monumental mistake" due to its location and high cost for the Liberal Democrat-controlled council.

Tim Adams, leader of North Norfolk District Council, added: "We’ve committed to now carrying out the necessary works and repairs on the Rocket House building to enable the public to enjoy this excellent local attraction when the museum re-opens in 2025."