The RNLI is to open a £1.8m purpose-built museum in Cromer on 12 April dedicated to the life of its most decorated lifeboatman ever, Henry Blogg.

The free-to-enter museum will include interactive exhibits for all ages – including a communications booth with a morse code button – Blogg’s motor lifeboat and a life-size replica of a beach hut, as well as an education room, café and souvenir shop.

The RNLI has contributed £350,000, with the rest of the money from North Norfolk District Council and EU funding. A number of trusts, grants and local donations have enabled the fit-out of the exhibition space.

The museum will be managed by the RNLI’s Heritage Trust, which was set up in September 2004 to enable the RNLI to focus on its collections and apply for lottery and other funding.