STAFF at the Paisley Thread Mill Museum have launched a crowdfunding campaign to help spread the word about the town’s industrial heritage.

They hope to raise £5,000 on the crowdfunding network to support the Family of Threads project.

The museum has already received £10,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund but also needs to find extra cash from its own resources.

Stephen Clancy, vice-chair and historian at the museum, said: “The crowdfunding is open until April 3 and we have already raised £280.

“It would be marvellous if we can raise more than our target.

“We have already had some support from Coats PLC, who donated some stranded cotton to the project, and I would encourage more local companies to get involved by sponsoring us.”

The Family of Threads initiative will involve schools, care homes and hospices across Renfrewshire.

It will include stitching workshops, talks on the history of thread making, memory boxes for care homes and an oral history project.

Mr Clancy added: “The project has been partially funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund but we are still £5,000 short of being able to do everything we want.

“Through this crowdfunding campaign, we are seeking funds to support the work with schools and care homes, creating stitching packs for each individual that we are working with, and support a touring exhibition telling the story of Renfrewshire’s linen, silk and cotton thread industries.”

The Paisley Thread Mill Museum, based at the Abbey Mill Business Centre, opened in 2003 and aims to preserve and promote the stories and memories of the town’s historic thread industry.

People can visit the museum on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from noon until 4pm.

To donate to the crowdfunding appeal, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/a-family-of-threads or pop into the museum.