THE County Museum at Hartlebury will be open bet-ween Christmas and New Year for the first time.

The museum shuts its doors on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and December 27, but will be open again from December 28- 31 between 11am and 4pm.

Robin Hill, county museums officer, said: "Traditionally the museum was closed over Chr-istmas, but we want to increase our focus on customers and over this period families tend to have more time and are looking for places to visit."

The museum, which more than 80,000 items on show has recently had a £750,000 refurbishment including addition of a new shop which is well stocked with unique gifts and crafts as well as products from the Worcestershire Guild of Designer Craftsmen.

The café will also be open during this period, serving drinks and light snacks.

The museum will then be closed from December 31 until February 1, 2007 so displays can be changed and site improvements continued.

Those wanting further information on the museum should call 01299 250416.