TELEVISION star Professor Mick Aston from Channel 4's Time Team will be among the guests celebrating the opening of the new Museum of Somerset at Taunton Castle next Thursday (September 29).

The museum - which boasts numerous artefacts from West Somerset - tells the story of the county from prehistoric times to the present day.

An ancient tomb complete with skull and bones, Civil War relics and a dinosaur skeleton are just some of the exhibits on show from the district.

Dunster county councillor Christine Lawrence, the cabinet member for community, will be among the local dignitaries at Thursday's grand opening, which begins at midday.

She said: "During the ceremony, which will start just outside the castle, the flag of Somerset will be raised and re-enactors from the Taunton Garrison will lead a march to the castle gates accompanied by musket fire.

"The re-enactment will commemorate the part played by Taunton Castle in the Civil War in 1645, when it was besieged by Royalist troops."

The gates to the castle will be thrown open to the public at about 12.15pm.

As part of a special opening weekend extravaganza, there will be a tudor-themed family fun day at the museum on Saturday (October 1) and music from the Lazy River Jazz Band from 2pm to 4pm on Sunday.

The museum will be open from 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday and on Bank Holiday Mondays and admission is free.

The Free Press was given a sneak preview of the £6.93 million revamped museum ahead of Thursday's official opening and readers can find out more in our special museum feature in next week's paper (September 30).