Plans to build a new museum in north Norfolk to house the ancient skeleton of the famous West Runton elephant could be shelved in an attempt to save money.

Some existing museums - including the Bridewell and Strangers Hall in Norwich - could also be mothballed to cover the �363,000 deficit in the county's museums service budget.

The possible cuts are part of a series of public service reductions being considered by Norfolk County Council to address a �24m funding gap.

Vanessa Trevelyan, the head of Norfolk's museums service, said: "We've been cut to the bone in the past so we have no fat on us to hide cuts."

The elephant's remains are in storage

She added: "The only options now are to cut strategic parts of services, and sadly that means some museums may well have to close."

The museums service had hoped to bid this year for funding for a new museum at Cromer to house the skeleton of the 600,000-year-old elephant.

It is the largest and oldest complete elephant skeleton ever found in the UK, but most of it has been in storage since being removed from cliffs in 1995.

Staff from Norfolk museums and libraries, which could also be affected, were in Norwich on Monday asking passersby to sign petitions against the possible cuts.

Museum guide Barclay Todd said: "These are gems within this historical city and they should not be lost to the people of the city."

Voters' views

Alison King, leader of Norfolk County Council, said public concern was understandable.

"However, I would like to stress that a list of possible savings are only options - and nothing more than that at this stage."

She said the council was keen to hear the views of Norfolk residents on all the options put forward.

The final decision will be taken next month.