History will soon be brought back to life at Wycombe Museum as the first stage of refurbishment work draws to an end.

A lift has been installed in the Priory Avenue museum – which has been closed since June – and work on a shop and cafe is currently underway.

Cllr Julia Adey, Wycombe District Council’s Cabinet member for Community, said: “I am delighted by the redevelopment work that has been carried out so far at Wycombe Museum – it really looks superb.

“I am looking forward to people visiting the new-look museum – including people with restricted mobility that were previously unable to access the first floor, who will now be able to view the museum’s full collection in all its glory following the installation of the new lift.”

Cllr Adey added that she wanted to thank council staff, contractors and volunteers for all of their hard work.

“I would like to thank the council staff and our contractors for their hard work and, of course, the volunteers who have given up their own time to help give this much loved community facility a new lease of life.”

The Grade II listed building has also been given a facelift throughout ahead of a phased re-launch from December 1.

And, volunteers have been busy sorting through the museum’s collection of some 20,000 artefacts and exhibits in the run up to the re-opening.

New displays will retell the story of the district’s rich heritage in new ways, as well as a new-look exhibition which will show off the museum’s internationally renowned trademark chair collection.

The revamp is part of Wycombe District Council's £500million redevelopment programme which is investing in the district's future.

For more information visit www.wycombe.gov.uk/museum