A WORCESTER museum has re-opened after refurbishment - and the work is supposed to stand the venue in good stead for the next five centuries.

The 16th Century timber-framed Museum of Local Life in Friar Street shut at Christmas.

Since then it has had a complete overhaul, with new electrical wiring, boiler and fire detection systems in place.

Minor work remains to be done, but everything should be in place for the May Bank Holiday weekend.

"The museum's been in chaos for nearly four months, but it's been worth it," said Nicole Burnett, Worcester City Council's social history officer.

"The structural repairs will ensure the building will remain standing for at least the next 500 years!

"We have great plans to make the museum more up-to-date and interactive, and plan to install a Victorian kitchen activity area and create a toy shop upstairs."

The museum - to which entry is free - is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.