A SNEAK preview of a major new attraction is on offer when the Dorset County Museum throws open its doors for free.

Visitors are being urged to tour the Dorchester Gallery on May 10 and May 11 before it officially opens in June.

The permanent showpiece will tell the tale of Dorchester from its origins more than 6,000 years ago to Roman times and the modern day.

The move comes as campaigners call for the town to capitalise more on its heritage and use tourism to revitalise the economy.

John Grantham, visitor services manager, said: "There is a tremendous amount of interest in Dorchester from visitors.

"But research has also shown that people who live here want to find out more about the town.

"It all ties in with the interest in such things as the Roman baths and the town's heritage."

He added: "The popularity of our Thomas Hardy lectures at the museum has also indicated this greater interest."

The museum, in High West Street, is letting visitors in free of charge on May 10 and 11 to mark museum's month and local history week.

There will be special displays and lectures on such subjects as heraldry, migration in West Dorset, field hedges, the history of Blandford St Mary and 19th century Wesleyan methodist societies.

But the jewel in the crown will be the chance to get a taste of the Dorchester Gallery before its official opening on June 22.

The exhibition, which is 70 per cent finished, will feature displays, interpretation boards and five interactive activities for children.

Mr Grantham said: "There will be artefacts, narratives, maps and exhibits to bring the story of Dorchester to life."

The Dorchester Gallery will trace the town's past from ancient times through the Bronze Age, Iron Age, Romans, Dark Ages, medieval period, civil war, through to the present day.

To find out times for lectures on May 11, from 2.30pm onwards, call the museum on (01305) 262735.