PEOPLE who donate to Bridport Museum's redevelopment fundraising campaign will receive "rewards" from businesses, volunteers and staff.

The museum launched a crowdfunding campaign today in a bid to tally up £20,000 towards the redevelopment scheme.

Local businesses, volunteers and staff have all joined in supplying fun rewards for people who have pledged support to the campaign.

The museum was awarded £841,000 in March this year from the Heritage Lottery Fund, but the team still has to find around £70,000 to complete the £1.3 million project.

Emily Hicks, Bridport Museum curator, said: “We are hoping that the local community will help us raise £20,000 through crowdfunding to help reduce that target.

"We are hugely grateful to everyone who has already donated some fabulous rewards. The rewards include something for everyone, from unique fossil hunting experiences to LEGO dinosaurs.

"We are hoping that work will begin on the museum in September this year. If we can raise the rest of the money this summer, the project will be completed in time to open for Spring 2017."

The project is the culmination of more than three years of research and development, and will include urgent repair and restoration to the museum building, followed by a complete redisplay of all museum galleries. The galleries will be fun and interactive, showing off the museum’s collections in new and engaging ways.

The money raised will also help ensure that the museum is fully accessible. A new lift will allow all visitors to view displays on the first floor and an accessible toilet will also include baby changing facilities.

Bridport Museum volunteer Lynne Gittens said she is "thrilled" the redevelopment project is going ahead and is looking forward to the new heating system.

George Streatfeild, chairman of Bridport Museum Trust, said: "This is a brilliant opportunity for the people of Bridport to help make their museum.

"Entry to the museum will still be free after the redevelopment so the museum is here for everyone to enjoy, far into the future."

To support the project, visit the fundraising site at crowdfunder.co.uk/love-bridport-museum