A RAILWAY museum which has undergone a nine-month redevelopment will be officially opened this weekend with a star guest.

Paul Atterbury, a regular expert on BBC's Antiques Roadshow and author of a number of railway history books, will officially open the Ravenglass Railway Museum on Saturday June 24.

The new museum promises to create a new interactive experience, with guests still able to take the iconic journey along the railway, from Ravenglass to Boot in the Eskdale Valley.

Peter Hensman, chairman of the museum trustees, said: “This is an exciting moment in the museum’s history. Over the last two years we have worked hard with professionals, volunteers and supporters to extend the museum, restore our heritage stock and create the dynamic museum we are now delighted to reveal.

"None of this would have been possible without the support and encouragement we have received from Heritage Lottery Fund and our other funders. We hope that our visitors will gain much pleasure and interest from our new displays.

The museum owns more than 6,000 objects, ranging from 15 inch gauge locomotives through to uniforms and photographs. Now visitors can see the artefacts come to life with the interactive exhibits.

David Rounce, the museum’s project and activities manager, said: "As well as attracting tourists from ‘La’al Ratty’ to the museum, we hope it will become something of a community focal point through a programme of changing, community-led exhibitions.

"A range of curriculum-linked resources for schools is also being developed to educate local children about the technology and history of the railway and of other local industry and the way of life in the valley."

The museum will officially open to the public at 3pm on Saturday following a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mr Atterbury earlier in the day.

The first full day of general opening will be Sunday June 25.