A history museum has reopened after it was forced to leave one of Halstead’s most iconic sites.

The Halstead Heritage Museum is now operating from Queens Hall, off Chipping Hill, having been closed for three months.

The museum was previously based at Townsford Mill but the Halstead and District Local History Society was forced to move when Halstead Town Council, who allocate space for the heritage society, left the same site for its new home at the refurbished Queens Hall.

Town Mayor Shirley Diver cut the ribbon to mark the museum’s opening on Saturday.

Society members Jim Davis and John Walmsley were also presented with engraved cut glass tankards having played starring roles in the move.

President Malcolm Root said: “There is a lot more room now and we have plenty of storage space.

"The museum reflects Halstead’s past. We have cabinets with displays of everything from the past, archaeological discoveries, items from the war and details on Courtauld and Portway who have been big employers in the town.

“The new museum is good news for the society as it’s a big part of the group and we are hoping to have lots of people come and visit.”

The museum will be open to the public Sunday and Wednesday afternoons from 1.30pm until 4pm