Not many people can boast of having their own waxwork in a museum, but New Addington resident Nan Jenkins is just one person immortalised in the Lifetimes exhibition.

Last Thursday Nan, along with other residents, viewed the exhibition in its current form before it closes on Christmas Eve for a £1million refurbishment.

The private reception was also a chance for contributors, who have loaned or donated hundreds of items for display, to mark the exhibition's 10th anniversary and to hear about the new plans after the refurbishment is finished.

The award-winning Lifetimes gallery tells Croydon's story through the voices and objects of its residents.

Nan, 71, of Fieldway, donated memorabilia which told her own story, including the wedding dress she wore when she married John Jenkins at St Paul's Church in Thornton Heath in February 1955, a pouffe from her contemporary lime green living room in the late 50s, a Coronation biscuit tin, bought when she went to watch the Queen's procession in 1953, and toys bought for her children in the 60s.

The mum-of-two and grandmother-of-three said: "I do feel very privileged to have been involved in the Lifetimes exhibition. I am just one of many people who donated their things and themselves to the museum.

"I've always been interested in local history and I think museums like this are very interesting and very important for the borough."

Nan, a retired school welfare assistant, loved the museum so much that she applied for and got the part-time job of a relief assistant, a job she has been doing since the museum opened.

Her job involves duties including greeting visitors, helping with enquiries and explaining exhibits.

"I just love it here," added Nan. "It's a wonderful place and the people are wonderful too. When people hear it is closing for such a long time for refurbishment they are often disappointed but I think the new Lifetimes will be marvellous when it reopens."

The Lifetimes exhibition will reopen in spring 2006.