THE summer season has been officially opened at Teignmouth and Shaldon museum. It will hopefully be the last for the building in its present state in French Street. Big plans are afoot for a £650,000 extension project that will see the museum become a flagship building in the town. Mayor Cllr Geoff Bladon officially declared the museum open on Thursday. He praised the hard work and dedication of all those involved with the museum and their determination to succeed. 'I have a great love for this museum. It has a dedicated team behind it and I am sure that the new building will see it grow from strength to strength.' Chairman Colin Trigger said that the committee will be applying for the building grant from the heritage lottery fund in June, but it will still mean that fundraisers have to find an additional £400,000. 'That is quite a mountain to climb. 'If successful, building work could start a year from now and we estimate that it will take about 12 months.' Highlights for this year's summer season include the Brunel 200th anniversary celebrations. The figure of the man himself will arrive by train in Teignmouth on Tuesday, May 30. Townsfolk are also invited to step back in time on August 6. There will be stalls and entertainment along the promenade and people are invited to don Victorian dress for the occasion. All proceeds will go towards the extension fund.