HUNDREDS of people attended the opening of a refurbished museum housing relics from West Kirby's past at the weekend.

In total 862 people turned out to view the permanent display at St Bridget's Centre in St Bridget's Lane, West Kirby on Saturday and Sunday.

It was part of a national event, the Festival of Archaeology and there were hands-on activities for the family.

Formerly known as the Charles Dawson Brown Museum, it was hidden away for more than a century and was available to view by appointment only.

The collection tells the story of a thousand years of St Bridget's church, and is supplemented with information about the old village, the old school and other items found in or around West Kirby.

The museum's vice chairman, Mark Hughes, told the Globe: "It was an amazing weekend. We had 862 people visit the museum, which is a lot more than the 4-500 we had expected."

The old museum room has been completely transformed into a modern, spot-lit and accessible display area.

The museum space now extends into a second room, allowing sufficient space for the exhibits to be enjoyed by the public.

During the weekend archaeologists were on hand to help with anything visitors may have come across.

There is also a picture display of old West Kirby and the public is invited to share memories with the research team. Please bring along any photographs or memorabilia to show.

Viking history will also feature with a replica Viking age boat on display. It is of a type which would have traded in the Irish Sea and probably used by the Viking settlers of West Kirby. There were also guided walks of West Kirby Old Village, led by local historian Heather Chapman.

The new Museum will be open to the public every Friday afternoon from July 19 until August 30, between 12 and 3pm.

If you would like to volunteer to help us in any way please contact Heather Chapman on 0151 625 7013.

For more information visit www.westkirbymuseum.co.uk or www.facebook.com/WKMuseum.