A museum's tour with a quirky pop-up exhibition showcases Dorset through the ages.

Hands-on fun for all the family is to be had in Dorchester’s Brewery Square, with a brand new display plus old favourites from Dorset County Museum.

The temporary exhibition has been set up as the county museum is currently undergoing a multi-million pound transformation and is closed to the public.

The exhibition will be moving to other locations in the coming months.

Community curator Mary-Anne Edwards said: "The exhibition gives a snapshot of some of the hidden gems from our natural history, archaeology, geology, costume, art and literature collections.

The display will be constantly changing – it's acting as a consultation.

"We're asking the community for stories from their lives they'd like to see remembered in tomorrow's museum for Dorset."

Imaginative contributions to the suggestion book so far include 'my old school jumper', 'a Hoover twin-tub washing machine' and 'Dorset Knob biscuits'.

The museum includes an exhibition of the Eldridge Pope Brewery, where visitors can delve into the local history of brewing, exploring objects, pictures and a model of the working brewery which is so accurate it can even be used to brew a thimbleful of beer.

Elsewhere, a Megalosaurus made entirely from Lego watches on as local artworks offer a glimpse into the lives of Dorset residents.

Other specially donated items include glamorous vintage clothing worn by a Dorchester-based model during the 1950s, and items representing local minority communities.

First through the door was Mary Al Naber, who was born and bred in Dorchester and now lives in Baltimore, USA.

She said: "The exhibition is terrific, it paints a picture of life in Dorset as it once was. There is a real community feel.

"In particular I'm fascinated by the history of Eldridge Pope brewery, and am enjoying the opportunity to read historic documents."

Free craft activities are on offer during half term - young visitors are invited to make their own museum; centurion’s helmet and 19th century Dorset Ooser mask.

Damers First pupil Isabella Dell O'ca, who was visiting with her father, Jared Dell O'ca, said: "We were told about the museum at school so we've come down to do some arts."

The temporary museum will be on tour until summer 2020 and will travel to Weymouth, Poundbury and Portland as well as doing a tour of local festivals.

To find out more visit www.dorsetcountymuseum.org