A LOCAL history museum has been given a boost after receiving a lottery grant worth almost £50,000.

The Richmondshire Museum, based in Richmond, will use the money from the Heritage Lottery Fund to create a Discovery Centre in rooms it recently took over from the district council.

The new centre will be aimed at families and young people and will use interactive displays to explain about Richmond and the Dales history.

A number of artefacts that the museum currently holds in storage will also be able to go on display.

Fiona Spiers, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Yorkshire, said: “This is a great project that will help bring the museum’s collections to life for everyone to explore. HLF is dedicated to supporting projects that open up heritage for locals and visitors and the new educational facility will be a fantastic addition to the Richmondshire Museum.

The funding will also be used to run workshops for schools and groups and to train volunteers in conservation techniques.

Mike Wood, chairman of the Richmondshire Museum, said: “This is an important milestone in the history of the museum and will secure its future for many years to come. The grant is the culmination of the efforts of all those concerned and will provide a new facility for the people of Richmondshire and its many visitors.”