FANS of Swindon's Museum of Computing have rallied behind the collection in its search for a new home.

The Swindon Advertiser reported on Monday that the museum is to lose its current base in three months when the University of Bath leaves its Oakfield campus in the town.

Since then support has emerged from readers.

Tony Hadland, 59, first visited the museum four years ago. He said: "It is a museum of great importance.

"History comes down to much more recent times and if we are not careful then things get lost.

"It is a really good and informative museum and it would be a real shame if it disappeared off the map."

Martin Gordon, 60, emailed to say that he studied one of the first degree courses in computing at Brighton polytechnic.

He said: "I was in at the beginning of computing so I am quite interested in making sure that the past isn't lost completely."

Richard Bailey, 41, remembers using machines with a punch card system.

He said: "It shows the history of the computing industry right the way back from day one. It covers everything."

Simon Webb, curator at the museum, said: "We got emailed yesterday by someone in Norwich to say he would drive down and help us move."

"Our website statistics have gone through the roof. Normally we get 1,500 hits each day, on Tuesday we got 18,500."

Simon said that some possible homes for the museum have been suggested and that staff are looking into their viability.

A display space of 75sqm is needed, plus 100sqm of storage and disabled access to all parts of the site.

Bill Cotton, Swindon Council director of economic and cultural development, said: "The Museum of Computing is one of Swindon's many hidden gems - it's a fascinating attraction which has a strong following of supporters.

"We will be approaching various local organisations with a view to finding alternative premises and giving the museum a bright future in Swindon."

For more information, visit www.museum-of-computing.org.uk.