History lovers can spend a night at the museum.

Lyme Regis Museum is taking part in national initiative Museums at Night and will throw open its doors for a free evening of fun plus complimentary refreshments.

The event will feature storytelling, craft activities, fossil handling and face painting and is perfect both for families and for those who’d like to experience the museum with a different, after hours vibe.

Museum director, David Tucker, said “This event is suitable for all ages and everyone is very welcome. We’d love to show local people in particular what’s on offer in the museum, so do come and join us if you can.”

Museums at Night is the UK-wide festival of late night activities within museums and galleries. Produced by arts charity Culture24, the festival is dedicated to shining a light on culture and heritage by encouraging museums and galleries to showcase their treasures in unexpected ways.

It runs twice-a-year in May and October celebrate the best museums have to offer. This month, more than 700 museums and galleries have signed up to take part.

Museums at Night in May ties in with the European campaign, La Nuit Des Musées, and takes place on the weekend nearest to International Museums Day. The October event coincides with Halloween, and often sees more museums programming spooky events. Back in October, Lyme Regis Museum hosted spooky storytelling in the Marine Gallery, displayed 'scary' fossils and provided trick or treaters with treats.

Lyme Regis Museum, also a charity supported by a team of volunteers, will host its Museums at Night event on Friday (18) between 6 and 8pm. Refreshments will be provided by Lyme-based Dottie Kitchen.

The museum, patrons of which include Sir David Attenborough and author Tracy Chevalier, is the most used museum by schools in Dorset.