The National Maritime Museum is asking the people of Falmouth, Penryn and the Fal estuary if they'd like to contribute to a new temporary exhibition. The museum is calling on people to lend pictures of the maritime history of Falmouth and the river Fal for the Your Falmouth exhibition.

Curator, Jo Warburton said: "Falmouth grew as a town because of its maritime connections and we want to celebrate this. We hope this exhibition, created by the people of Falmouth, Penryn and around the river Fal will add to the story we already tell of the Packet ships."

The exhibition will run for three months from late March.

Museum director, Jonathan Griffin said: "This is a real chance for local people to make their contribution to a museum. We have already expanded our Cornwall galleries and we are now turning our attention to Cornwall's most influential port. We really want local people to become involved in the museum and this is one ideal way. We really encourage people to come forward with pictures, documents and photographs and to make Your Falmouth something we can be proud of."

The first entry to the exhibition has already been presented to the mayors of Falmouth and Penryn by John Mitchell, a volunteer at the museum, a former coxswain for the Falmouth Harbour Commissioners and second coxswain on the RNLI Lifeboat.

Mayor of Falmouth, Mr Roger Bonney said, "I am delighted to invite local people to take part in this exciting exhibition, for them and about them. The area has played such a key maritime role that it's important it's celebrated."

Penryn Mayor, Mrs Gill Grant said: "This exhibition is a great opportunity for local people to see their pictures used to tell such an important historic maritime story. I am very pleased to be involved."

Peter Gilson, the Packet's historian who has compiled a huge collection of old photographs said: "I am delighted to be involved. This exhibition will help to get local people engaged with their history."

photo of John Mitchell entering his picture for the Your Falmouth exhibition. From Left to right, The Mayor of Falmouth Cllr Mr Roger Bonney; John Mitchell; The Mayor of Penryn Mrs Gill Grant; and Jenny Wittamore, NMMC.

Take a look at The Packet's selection of old photographs. Click on the link below.