Museum staff are putting on their deerstalkers after a collection of unusual hats was dumped on their doorstep.

Workers were left bemused when a man rushed into the entrance of Worthing Museum, dumped two large bin liners full of hats, then ran out again.

The bags contained an astounding collection of 21 hats in a variety of styles which curators believe date back over the last 20 years.

Staff at the museum are hoping the mystery man will come forward so he can tell them about the history of his discreet donation and whether they were part of a private collection.

The haul includes a hat made from bamboo, a Twenties-style cloche hat and another dotted with rhinestones.

Acting principal curator Ann Wise said: "The guy literally rushed in, handed over the two bags to staff in our shop and scarpered.

"We didn't get time to get his name or discover who the hats had belonged to."

The collection contains several hats by famous milliners and others which are home-made.

Ms Wise said: "Not all of them are suitable for the museum but some of them will go in our 20th Century costume gallery.

"I tend to think that they were part of a collection belonging to someone who adored hats. Some of them are absolutely gorgeous hats and are very well made."

Using the labels inside the hats, museum staff have been researching some of the milliners but they really want to know more about who has owned them and where and when they have been worn.

Ms Wise said: "It was very kind of whoever left the bags in the shop to think of the museum but I really would love to know who wore them."

Anyone with information can contact the museum on 01903 239999 extension 1139.