We were delighted to see the news this week that three Dorset museums had won funding to enhance their collections and attract more visitors.

As councillors in Dorchester, we were particularly pleased that Dorset County Museum had received £175,000 towards the exciting Tomorrow's

Museum for Dorset project.

This will see the opening of a new building with a series of galleries highlighting the geological, environmental and human forces that have shaped Dorset over 250 million years.

This will be a great addition for the museum and a tremendous resource for local residents, researchers, students, schoolchildren and tourists who find themselves in our beautiful county.

We also welcome the funding for the Tank Museum at Bovington, which has been handed £120,000 for its Second World War display, and the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum in Bournemouth, which has secured £115,500 for its Reinterpretation and Reconnecting Project.

They are among 35 museums and galleries to receive a share of £4million, funded jointly by the government and the Wolfson Foundation.

The money will help to improve the quality of displays and exhibition spaces, enhance the visitor experience and ensure these great institutions are open to as many people as possible.

PETER STEIN AND GERALD DUKE

Conservative town councillors, Dorchester