VOLUNTEERS and councillors were invited to take the first look at the revamped Weymouth Museum.

At an event ahead of the official opening next Wednesday, dozens of people got to take a glimpse at the new facility telling the story of the town’s history.

Chairman of the Weymouth Museum Trust and borough councillor Margaret Leicester cut the ribbon to mark the opening.

She said: “I think the public were convinced that they were never going to see this museum open again.

“This is only a small taste of what we have because there is only limited space but I’m delighted that the museum is open again.

“We have to give our thanks to the developers for opening up Brewers Quay once again and making this possible.”

The museum has been closed since 2010 when Brewers Quay was closed for refurbishment.

Chairman of the Friends of Weymouth Museum David Riches paid tribute to the work of the volunteers.

He said the new-look museum is designed to be more bright and welcoming.

Dr Riches added: “It’s just marvellous that we are here finally, opening up.

“It has been a great learning curve because our previous displays had been professionally curated but now it’s entirely done by volunteers.

“They really have done a great job.”

Deputy mayor of Weymouth and Portland Councillor Kate Wheller said: “The fact that the museum is back here is a credit to the work of the volunteers over such a long period of time and how resilient they have been each time they’ve been knocked back.”

Volunteers have been working for months to get the attraction ready, including the creation of brand new displays.

The revamped facility focuses on the history of Weymouth, with a series of pictures and texts in the entrance gallery telling the history of the town from pre-historic times to the present day.

A Roman-era skeleton, found in Wyke Regis, and a 10-foot painting of King George are also expected to be popular with visitors.

The painting is a contemporary copy of one which used to be on display in Windsor Castle before it was destroyed in a fire.

Jo Anderson designed much of the artwork and other displays in the museum.

She said: “Weymouth is such an interesting town and there’s a lot of history here.

“We wanted the museum to be seen as less frosty, so there’s lots of interactive things and games.”