Pershore’s Heritage Centre has reopened after two and a half years.

The Covid pandemic and social distancing restrictions meant the High Street attraction’s doors had been closed since the close of the summer season in October 2019.

Fears for the future of the Heritage Centre had been growing but it has now officially reopened.

Chairman of the Pershore Heritage and History Society, Heather Greenhalgh, said: "It's great to see our Heritage Centre back in action after such an extended and enforced break.

"Following the effects of the pandemic and then social distancing issues in a confined area we had serious doubts about whether the Heritage Centre would ever reopen. In that period we also lost a number of volunteers due to age, infirmity or people moving away.

"Fortunately, we have now gained a few more volunteers to enable us to open on four days a week with limited opening hours.

“We do hope that residents and visitors will pop in to see us and our range of interesting exhibits and perhaps one or two may even be willing to lend a hand in manning the centre for an hour or more so that we can open for five days a week in the future. The role is not very arduous and can be very rewarding."

The centre first opened in Pershore in the former fire station on Bridge Street in 1995 and is now based in the premises above the town hall.

Work to tidy up the centre and provide some new exhibitions began shortly before Easter, with a small band of committee members and volunteers.

The centre will mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with an exhibition featuring commemorative plates, cups and documents.

There will also be events celebrating the coronations of George V and George VI and an exhibition of black and white photographs of the parades and festivities as Pershore residents celebrate the Queen’s coronation in 1953.

The centre is free to enter and opens from 12pm to 3pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and from 10am until 1pm on Fridays.

Anyone wishing to volunteers is urged to contact Heather on 01386 553180 or treasurer of the PHHS, Cynthia Johnson, on 01386 552305.