Maryport Maritime Museum has solved the problem of getting disabled people upstairs.

A video link showing all upstairs exhibits is now available on a computer on the ground floor.

The touchscreen device, developed by Flame Concepts of Cockermouth, enables those unable to climb the steep stairs to take a general tour of the otherwise inaccessible rooms or to focus in on any exhibits they want to examine.

The video link gives them the opportunity to read information boards or to "enter" the glass cabinets housing small historic items.

Roger Hart, museum treasurer, said the new system cost about £5,000.

He said: "It is impossible to provide disability access in this building but we wanted to do something."

Mr Hart, who worked with Cumbria Community Foundation, said in that capacity he had dealt with Allerdale Disability Association which had made him even more aware of the needs of the disabled.

Sue Fox, museum secretary, said making the upstairs accessible was something she had wanted for many years.

She said great attention has been paid to detail.

She added: "On screen information is in a bold font, and is white writing on black which makes it easy to read. 

"The screen definition is very clear and remains sharply in focus even when you zoom in close. That means people can see the exhibits in detail."

The new system was officially launched on Wednesday night before guests who included representatives of Allerdale Disability Association, town, county and borough councillors and museum volunteers.