BEAMINSTER Museum may not be able to host any of their usual Christmas time activities - but that hasn't stopped them from keeping busy during the lockdown.

The museum's annual Christmas concert, coffee morning and its usual winter talks are unable to go ahead due to the pandemic. However, work is still going ahead to make improvements to the museum building, ready to open when it is permitted.

An extension is being built at the rear proceeding well and the floor for the new upper level is now in place.

A spokesperson for the museum said: "Although activities for the public may be very limited, there is a hive of activity continuing in the museum building. We are getting a good idea of the size of the new rooms in practice, rather than just seeing them on paper. Looking back into the building from the newly opened doorway gives a never previously seen vista. It’s exciting!"

Museum staff also say they have a variety of interesting speakers lined up for when they are able to reopen to the public.