Click on the green play button to see video from behind the scenes.

From dozens of old silk wedding dresses, ornate footware, 1940s confectionery packaging and colourful, wooden children's toys are preserved from the past.

Despite the wealth of antiquities, there is only limited space available within the public galleries and exhibitions

A small fraction of the contents available is ever on display.

The museum is home to one of the largest costume and textile stores in the country, with rail upon rail of costumes and garments hanging in protective beige covers.

Some of these costumes have only made an appearance on display in the museum a few times.

The majority of items owned by the museum were donated throughout its 100-year history, but the staff are always collecting new and old items to store for future exhibitions.

To mark the museum's 100th anniversary there will be three exhibitions during the year as well as a programme of events.

Gerry Connolly, curator of historic collections, said: "In March, we unveiled a new sculpture by the artist John Skelton and in May we launch the centenary open art competition, to name just a few," he said.

"The museum is the jewel in Worthing's crown – a jewel that the people of Worthing can be proud of."

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