Dorset's Tank Museum has called up Nik Wyness to the newly created post of PR Officer.

Nik Wyness, from Weymouth, said; "The Museum has an exciting future ahead of it - and I am looking forward to being a part of it. The Tank Museum is the biggest and best of its kind in the world, and we are fortunate to have such an important and unique collection on our doorstep."

The Museum is in the initial stages of a detailed expansion plan that will turn it from a successful regimental museum to one of the leading attractions in the South.

The appointment is intended to raise the profile of the museum during its expansion, the cornerstone of which will be the result of a £16m bid made to the Heritage Lottery Fund, which is expected early next year.

Museum Director John Woodward said: "Small independent charities like the Tank Museum have to confront government demands to behave with an increasingly businesslike outlook.

The long term survivability of the Museum rests on our ability to compete with other visitor attractions, both locally and nationally, and the need to raise our profile accordingly.

"Nik is an excellent addition to our growing team, and I look forward to working with him as the Museum moves forward."