A LOCAL landmark with over 200 years of history and heritage has been awarded a £2,500 grant.

Tetbury Police Museum & Courtroom is one of the 36 small museums across the UK that have been awarded funding by the Royal Society Places of Science scheme to engage communities with their local science stories.

The popular tourist attraction - which is situated in Long Street, Tetbury - is home to a unique and fascinating collection of stories, photographs, objects and memorabilia which tell the story of Gloucestershire Constabulary from 1839 to the present.

Money from the grant will be used to help bring the science of crime detection and justice to life. 

The Royal Society grants aim to help museums across the UK reach new audiences and help showcase history of science and scientists in new and exciting ways.

Planning for a special event in Tetbury where families can take part in a range of engaging forensic and detective activities is underway.

Maria Marsh, curator at the museum, says the grant opens up some exciting opportunities for the future.

She said: "I was extremely excited and surprised to be awarded the grant on our first try.  

"Grants like these are so important to museums and in particular smaller mainly volunteer-run museums who may have limited resources to do these kind of activities on their own.

"These opportunities don't come along too often and they are very important to help us to do work in the community and engage with our local audiences more.  

"We are currently planning a fun family event which will bring the use of science in crime detection/forensics and justice to life.

"Although the event is likely to take place later in the year or early 2025, we have a lot of preparation to do beforehand.  

"We want to make sure the materials created for this event can be re-used at future events and at schools.

"We also hope the local constabulary will be involved for this fun family day."