TV personality and co-chair of the Campaign for Museums, Loyd Grossman has launched Museums and Galleries Month, taking place from 1 May until 31 May.

“Museums and Galleries Month provides an opportunity to celebrate the huge investment already made in regional museums and galleries and the great contribution they make to the local economy,” said Grossman.

“This is a good time to take a trip away from home to explore museums and galleries further a field.”

Posters have been distributed to railway stations and leaflets to supermarkets, service stations, libraries and tourist information centres detailing Museums and Galleries Month and its theme for this year, Travel and the Art of Travelling.

Special posters have also been sent to all nursery, primary and secondary schools in England and a range of seminars are being organised for teachers.

The principal sponsor of the promotion is Eurostar, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The Campaign for Museums also worked with the French in support of the French-led, Europe-wide campaign, Printemps des Musees, which took place on 2 May. Details: www.may2004.org.uk