THERE'S a new hand on deck at a Great Yarmouth museum dedicated to Britain's greatest naval hero.Hannah Bentley took charge as curator at the Nelson Museum this week.

THERE'S a new hand on deck at a Great Yarmouth museum dedicated to Britain's greatest naval hero.

Hannah Bentley took charge as curator at the Nelson Museum this week.

And running a museum for the first time is even more special as Hannah, 30, grew up in Acle.

She said: “It's great to be back in Norfolk and I'm really looking forward to taking on the running of such a fantastic museum.

“There is a really interesting collection and the support of the volunteers is a real strength.

“Nelson was a complex character with many sides to his personality and there is much about him to admire. I was surprised to discover that Nelson lost his teeth and had ginger hair.”

Former Acle High School pupil Hannah studied A levels at Great Yarmouth College. A history graduate, she worked as an assistant curator at the Royal Logistic Corps Museum, Army Medical Services Museum and Army Physical Training Corps Museum.

Hannah will have to memorise all the 2,200 exhibits and items kept at the museum and has already identified a rare painted Nelson medal dating from 1845.

Previous curator Faith Carpenter spent the last month showing Hannah the ropes at the South Quay museum.

Faith stepped down last week after eight years as she is about to give birth to her second child.

She said: “Hannah is perfect for the role; she has outstanding experience and a quiet confidence

“I have felt I have achieved what I wanted to setting up the museum from scratch. I will miss all the volunteers and seeing the excitement of the children visiting the museum.”

The museum is currently holding the Nelson Touch exhibition, highlighting examples of the Admiral's inspirational leadership.