Football museum 'needs more cash'

The museum holds more than 25,000 exhibits

The National Football Museum has said it may have to cut its services if it does not receive more funding.

The museum, based at Preston's Deepdale Stadium, has not had its government funding increased since 2003, its director Kevin Moore said.

The museum, which does not charge an admission fee, claims that while it receives a subsidy of 97p per visitor, some museums receive as much as £18.42.

The attraction was opened in 2001 and has 25,000 football-related exhibits.

Mr Moore said: "Having surpassed all our targets and having gone from success to success in the past three years, we need to see this rewarded with the increased funding from 2008.

"With the Olympics in 2012, there has never been a better opportunity to use our sporting heritage and culture to develop the education of all children, particularly those from disadvantaged communities.

"Without an increase in funding, we will not be able to respond to demand. Indeed, services may have to be cut."