MALVERN Museum will re-open next month for the first time since thieves broke in and raided it.

Its centuries-old door, which was badly damaged during the January break-in, has been repaired, although the exhibits stolen are still missing.

Items worth around £1,800 were taken, including school attendance medals, ten First World War medals, an eight-inch high bust of Jenny Lind and medieval keys and coinage.

Curator Faith Renger said generous donations of new artefacts from members of the Malvern community have enabled it to fill the spaces left by the theft.

These include more school attendance medals and the headband worn by Royal Moses, the legendary donkey that reputedly bore a youthful Queen Victoria up the Malvern Hills.

Volunteers have worked alongside paid craftsmen to make sure the museum was ready for its scheduled re-opening.

Two glass cabinets that were smashed have been replaced, including the main one near the museum's front door. Security measures have also been stepped up, including reinforcements to doors.

Mrs Renger paid tribute to the work and generosity shown by members of the community since the break-in.

"People really have been amazing, and that's something we appreciate," she said.

As well as the new exhibits, pupils from The Chase school have been painting a mural that will provide visitors with a "medieval experience" when the museum re-opens on April 12.

The scene they have painted depicts part of the external wall of Guesten Hall, a former monastic residence adjacent to Malvern Priory.

More volunteers are needed to help run the museum and anyone interested should call 01684 568055 or 567969.