YOUNGSTERS from a Bromsgrove School have helped a Stoke Heath museum launch its festive attractions.

For the first time in its history, Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, is open during the winter months.

To celebrate, the museum has launched an exhibition, ‘A Worcestershire Christmas’, which gives visitors the chance to explore Christmas traditions spanning over 700 years of history.

Part of the exhibition looks at what Christmas was like for local ancestors, including prisoners, millers, merchants and metal workers.

The attraction launchea Saturday, December 5, and is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until December 20.

Leigh Walker, one of the volunteers leading the project, said it had made her see Christmas in a totally new light.

Rachel Shepherd, head of customer services at the museum, said: “This has been a really exciting volunteer project which has resulted in an excellent, enjoyable and very professional exhibition.

“I hope visitors to the museum will really enjoy finding out what a Worcestershire Christmas is all about.”

Children from Rigby Hall Special School, in Rigby Lane, enjoyed a day out to help launch Avoncroft’s festive season, decorating a Christmas tree donated by Webbs of Wychbold, and singing Christmas carols and putting decorations on the museum’s Christmas tree.

The museum’s historic buildings have been authentically dressed for the festive season and there is music, and games for all the family.

There are reduced opening prices currently in operation at the museum, £4.95 for an adult, £3.85 for senior citizens, £2.50 for children and £14.30 for a family.