A multipurpose community hub in Falmouth is looking to raise funds to help upgrade its computer system and keep the history of the town alive.

The Poly has said that their computer systems are failing and it needs the community to help replace and improve them. The venue currently hosts Falmouth History Archive records.

When sharing their plea on social media, they said: "The Archive has been based at The Poly for over 15 years and during this time the dedicated volunteers have been digitising Falmouth's social history.

"They have built up a wealth of photos, documents, and maps stretching back 300 years. This significant resource is regularly accessed by organisations and local people conducting research into Falmouth's fascinating past.

"However, The Poly's ageing computer systems are now in desperate need of replacement if it is going to continue to offer this crucial service to our local community."

Arwenack Street, Falmouth in around 1935. (Image: Supplied by The Poly)

With the support of the community, they are hoping to raise £5,000 towards replacing and upgrading its computer systems. One of the main projects is updating its now obsolete server, which will cost in the region of £9, 000 on its own.

The poly says it's vital to be able to digitise the archives so that researchers can view digital copies without needing to handle them. This means archived material can also be used in exhibitions without the risk of being damaged.

You can look through some of the archived documents and images here: Falmouth History Archive

To donate and help The Poly visit Digitising for the future