HISTORY is to be brought to life for the people of Alcester after a grant of hundreds of thousands of pounds was secured to create a heritage centre.

The Heritage Lottery Fund last week revealed its new Regional Committee for the West Midlands had awarded the town £211,500 for a museum and heritage facility.

The Alcester Heritage Project joined forces with Warwickshire County Council and Stratford Council to submit the bid for the project.

The money will see part of the former Magistrates Court in Seggs Lane converted to house the centre, allowing Roman finds to be properly displayed in the town for the first time.

Helen Mclagan, head of county museum services said: "Alcester was a thriving town in the Roman period and many archaeological excavations have been carried out there.

"We have been caring for the finds in the County Museum because, until now, there has been nowhere in Alcester for them to be housed or displayed.

"The new museum will house a creative, interactive exhibition which will present the finds and stories of Roman Alcester for local people and visitors of all ages. The centre will be staffed by local volunteers.

"We're very much looking forward to working with the people of Alcester."

Chairman of the Alcester Heritage Project, David Moulson, said he was absolutely delighted for people in and around the town.

"After 30 years of trying we are finally going to have a heritage centre to display the area's rich Roman heritage and other history.

"This will be both a valuable educational resource and a stimulus to Alcester's economy by attracting visitors to the town."

District Councillor Bill McCarthy said: "Stratford Council has allocated £1 million for the refurbishment of the former Magistrate's Court into a one-stop council shop and to provide the shell for the museum.

"Furthermore, the council has guaranteed revenue support by providing, free of charge, a fully serviced building for the next ten years."

County Councillor John Haynes said the news of the grant was "fantastic" and a tribute to the hard work of everyone involved.

The facility is likely to open in about 18 months.