Record visitors at Cannock attractions

Both venues enjoyed a 16 per cent increase in 2016/17 compared to the previous year, with the museum in particular enjoying something of turnaround in fortunes after ailing attendances in the past.

The Prince of Wales enjoyed a total of 64,121 visits in the 12-month period, far surpassing the target of 47,874.

Particular successes included Sir Ken Dodd's appearance, the Magic of Motown and Talon. While the production of Hound of the Baskervilles surpassed all previous audience figures for a drama show at the theatre.

The Museum of Cannock Chase saw 38,172 people through the doors, comfortably more than the 33,645 targeted.

February was said to be 'resoundingly successful' with popular half-term events including the Pokemon Hunt and Dino Days while the VE commemorations brought in more than 1,300 people alone.

Only two years ago the museum saw a drop in visitors despite the introduction of a new £100,000 exhibition dedicated to the town's miners.

Increases this year have partly been down to a revised schools' programme. It resulted in junior visits up to 16,624 from 14,267 the previous year.

Cannock Chase District Council deputy leader Gordon Alcott was particularly proud of the museum's recent success, having played a key role in its opening originally as a dedicated site recognising the district's mining heritage.

He said: "There is quite a lot of history up there. It was originally there to promote the mining history because obviously we had something like 17 pits in the Cannock Chase area.

"It also tells the story about the Chase's contribution to the two World Wars.

"They have branched out and done different things over the years and they are also getting the children up there now which is important."

On the theatre he added: "They are getting popular up-to-date shows there and the price is right which is what people want."

Both venues are run by 'Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles' - formerly Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust - on behalf of the council.