Staff at the Keep Military Museum in Dorchester have started demolition work as they prepare for renovations to the shop and a brand-new Second World War exhibition.

Chris Copson, curator of the museum, said: “The whole idea is we have the 75th anniversary of D-Day coming up in the summer this year so we are refurbishing the museum shop and, more importantly developing of our new World War Two gallery for that.”

The gallery will explore the role and personal stories of the Dorset regiments through several Second World War campaigns.

The museum will be closed until February 16 as these refurbishments are carried out.

Mr Copson added: “We are planning a soft opening in February but there will be a more official opening featuring military vehicles and exhibitions in the Easter.

“The Dorsets played quite a central role in the D-Day operation. We have got a whole series of important events to commemorate including Dunkirk, D-Day, right through to V.E. Day which will be the 75th anniversary next year.

“The museum has a range of artefacts from the Second World War, including Hitler’s desk. This was apparently stolen by the Dorsets from Berlin at the end of the war.”