CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating the news that a precious Thomas Hardy collection is returning to its rightful home.

The literature lovers have saved a collection of unique Hardy scripts, play scripts and stage-set models from being shipped to the States.

They raised an incredible £58,750 to keep the historic Hardy items in Dorset, where they will go on show at Dorset County Museum in Dorchester.

Fundraisers – including 104-year-old Norrie Woodhall – trod the boards and collected money on the street for the cause.

Norrie said: “I’m thrilled that we’ve got them. The manuscripts are now back where they should be and where they belong.”

Centenarian Norrie performed as a member of the New Hardy Players during an evening of fundraising at the museum which raised £2,500.

She was cast in the original stage version of Tess Of The D’Urbervilles as Tess’s sister and was given extra lines to say by Hardy himself.

The rare collection was assembled by Harry Tilley of the original Hardy Players and was put up for sale late last year.

The Culture Minister Margaret Hodge placed a temporary export ban on the manuscripts to give a UK organisation time to secure it.

The joint effort by the Dorset County Mu- seum, Exeter University, Dorset History Centre, The New Hardy Players and the Thomas Hardy Society ensured a happy ending after a race against time to meet the April 17 deadline.

Major contributions were made by different organisations and private donors to add to residents’ donations.

Andy Worth, of the New Hardy Players, said: “We’re delighted and excited to have acquired these interesting manuscripts.

“We’ll be able to use the scripts as guidance for when we perform Tess in 2011. We can’t wait to see them and make use of them. People will come from all over the world.”

It is hoped that the collection – currently held in a London bookshop – will arrive in town by the end of April.

Museum director John Murden said: “We wish to thank all those organisations and partners who have supported us in this project and also the private donors whose generosity made this possible.