A MUSEUM housing the largest and most important collection of masonic artefacts and treasures outside the Grand Lodge Museum in London re-opened in Worcester at the weekend.

The Provincial Museum at the Masonic Centre in Rainbow Hill, which has had a £200,000 refurbishment, was opened by antiques expert Henry Sandon and will now be a major attraction for visitors to the city and a resource for students trying to find out more about the Freemasons.

In declaring the museum open, Mr Sandon spoke about his many visits to the museum, the treasures it contains, especially the porcelain, and his pleasure that with the extension and refurbishment it will now be able to offer more to its visitors.

Among the artefacts housed in the museum are a huge number of masonic jewels, regalia, porcelain - particularly Royal Worcester - Sunderland ware, banners, photographs, apparel, medals and decorations.

Graeme Collins, worshipful master of Cyfrinfa Dewi Sant (the lodge of the Welsh members), and assistant information officer for Worcestershire Freemasons, said: "This will be the first opportunity for people to come and have a look at what the Freemasons are all about," he said.

"There are some fascinating and priceless artefacts and the museum represents a fascinating piece of social history."

The museum will be open, free of charge, on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10am and noon.