A MUSEUM is getting set to reopen its doors later this month following a "complete transformation".

Bridport Museum will welcome visitors once again on Saturday, May 27. Since its doors shut for the renovations in September, passers-by have been caught peering in through the windows to try and catch a glimpse of the huge changes and new galleries inside.

The centrepiece of the new rope and net gallery will be a working ropewalk, which will be demonstrated regularly, and there will be lots of interactive items to entertain children of all ages.

Curator of Bridport Museum, Emily Hicks, said: "We are delighted that we are finally able to announce our grand opening date.

"We hope everyone will be wowed by the complete transformation inside. We think it is unlike any other museum you will have seen before and a very special guest will be cutting the ribbon at 10am on Saturday, May 27. Everyone is welcome to join us."

Local children are really excited to see the new museum.

Seven-year-old Henry said: “I can’t wait to see inside because the museum has been shut for ages and it is going to be really different.

"I want to see where the tiger has gone. I want to do the new trails and I am looking forward to seeing if there are new things to buy in the shop.”

Entrance to the Museum will still be free, and it will be open from 10am until 5pm, Monday to Friday, and from 10am until 4pm on Saturdays.

In the lead-up to the grand reopening, the museum is organising a season of heritage festival throughout May, including a busy programme of events across the local area celebrating the town’s heritage. Programmes will be available at Bridport Tourist Information Centre.

Anyone interested in booking group visits or guided tours of Bridport Museum should contact office@bridportmuseum.co.uk or phone 01308 458703.