A project to transform Ely Museum has received a huge boost thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The national fund has handed over £159,300 so the city’s iconic museum can realise its ‘Unlocking the potential of the Old Gaol’ project – a scheme that will see the museum transformed into a community hub for tourists over the next four years.

The museum plans on hosting events, exhibitions and featuring new galleries in a bid to bring more tourists to Ely.

A spokesman said: “We’re so excited to share our fantastic news at Ely Museum.

“The project aims to completely transform the museum over the next four years and to work more closely with the community.

“It will allow us to transform the museum into a heritage hub for locals and tourists and introduce them to the fascinating history of the area.

“We’ll have new galleries, events, exhibitions and a new space for welcoming visitors. It’s a huge project that we just can’t wait to start.

“Our support has been made communities to explore the heritage held at the museum and to play a vital role in its future possible by The National Lottery players so we’re particularly pleased that this project has a real focus on enabling communities to explore the heritage held at the museum and to play a vital role in its future.”