The first bids offering a way forward for Cogges Farm Museum will come under scrutiny at a meeting tomorrow.

The project board set up by Oxfordshire County Council will hear proposals and business plans for the future of the loss-making museum at Witney.

One is from the Cogges Community Enterprise Scheme, headed by Witney GP Janet Maxwell, which has been co-ordinating the views of local people and input from a variety of businesses.

The other is from a company whose identity is at present being kept confidential.

Martyn Brown, county heritage and arts officer, said: "We also know that two other organisations are seriously considering their own proposals.

"We are open to more offers and suggestions. There is no deadline, despite a rumour that Thursday was the last date to submit."

The county council owns and runs the museum, which has been making annual losses of £250,000. Earlier this year, amid a massive protest campaign against possible closure, it decided to retain full funding for this year, but reducing over the next two years.

Since it reopened in late March, the museum has already sold more season tickets than before and visitor numbers are up by 50 per cent.