DURSLEY'S new Heritage Centre was officially opened on Saturday by the Rev Ernie Clarke, chairman of Dursley Town Trust.

The centre, based at Jacob's House - formerly known as The Weaver's House - in Castle Street, will be home to exhibits which chart the town's history.

Cath Pierce, chairman of the museum committee, said: "I think it was a great success. We had about 60 people attend and they were all very complimentary. The people who came were invited by us to say thank you as they had contributed to the project.

"Some of the people who came were volunteers who will run the centre. It gave all of them the first opportunity to see what was inside."

Exhibits had been a closely guarded secret until the official unveiling.

Mrs Pierce added: "We have a rug made at the former Champion carpet factory, a Pedersen cycle and an Autotruck made at Lister's, which were sold all over the world.

"The exhibits are all objects that have a real connection to Dursley. We have been very selective about what can be put in the centre - we have said that we only want things that are connected to the town.

"Before we opened so many people stopped outside the centre to try and look to see what was inside. Now they can come and see what we have."

And she admitted: "It has been a lot of hard work and taken a long time but it is something Dursley has wanted for a long time. I am really pleased with the way it has turned out."

The centre will be open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays (10.30am-12.30pm) until the end of February, when more regular opening hours will be announced.