MP Stephen Barclay was among the first people to view the newly opened Littleport Heritage Centre, which has been set up in the former JH Adams ironmongers.

Mr Barclay, MP for NE Cambs, said he was impressed by the work so far - which has been taken on by a group of volunteers - and was pleased to see such innovative use being made of the building.

The heritage centre will be used for a range of activities, including story telling and education sessions for young children.

Residents and other visitors had the chance to visit the centre at the weekend to cast their eyes over the work that has already taken place within the centre and also what is planned for the future.

Debra Jordan, a trustee of the centre, said:“We don’t want it to just be a dusty old museum. We want it to be a place where people are happy to come. We want the whole community to use it and we are hoping it will be a useful resource for schools across the area.”

The centre hosts a series of displays and information about Littleport’s history, and the shop itself is like a time capsule with many old ledgers, and items that were once for sale in the ironmongers shop, which was run by the Adams family for more than 100 years, on display.

Mr Barclay added: “I wish the project and the people behind the scheme the best of luck in creating an interesting and useful facility for the community of Littleport and beyond.”