MORE than 100 new jobs are to be created at Bovington Tank Museum to help transform it into a world-class attraction.

The museum today announced it has been given £1.5 million by the South West Regional Development Agency to fund a major redevelopment project.

In three years the world's foremost tank collection will be housed in state-of-the-art facilities and be able to attract 30 per cent more visitors.

The money is a crucial piece of a £16 million redevelopment and will focus on the construction of a new 5,000-square-metre display hall. New jobs will be created in constructing the buildings and working in the museum itself - dealing with the public and behind the scenes. Work on the project can now start in April.

Tank museum director Richard Smith said: "We are absolutely delighted to receive this critical support from the South West RDA.

"With a £9.5 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, donations from business, trusts and private donors, our vision is soon to become a reality."

He said the new jobs would be found locally, with sub-contractors told to recruit in Dorset.

The development will form the second phase of a three-stage vision to transform the museum into a modern attraction that can better preserve its collection and improve displays.

The new display hall, placed at the side of existing buildings, will allow the museum to explain the history of the tank and display its 35 key vehicles.

There will be new toilet and restaurant facilities and improved displays and exhibitions.

Bruce Voss, head of operations at the South West RDA, said: "This is an exciting transformation which will enhance the Tank Museum as a regional heritage and cultural visitor attraction.

"The new facilities will increase its value to the regional economy by appealing to a broader market, drawing visitors outside of the main tourism season.

"Jobs at the museum and with its suppliers will be safeguarded and an additional 100 jobs will also be created."

Among the major exhibits to be give a new lease of life in the display hall are the British prototype tank made in 1915 - the world's first - and the world's only working German Tiger tank.

The first phase of the redevelopment was completed last year and saw space created for tank-related armouries, clothes, ammunition and other items to be put on display. The latest injection of cash will help to make the second phase a reality.

The museum is due to close for four months next winter when the current floor plan will be completely transformed.

A third phase involves improving facilities to house and preserve tanks not used in the main collection.

Work is due to be finished in March 2009.