A BYGONE era will be brought to life when Saxmundham opens its own museum next spring.A large building next to the railway bridge in the High Street is currently being converted and will be filled with memorabilia from years gone by.

A BYGONE era will be brought to life when Saxmundham opens its own museum next spring.

A large building next to the railway bridge in the High Street is currently being converted and will be filled with memorabilia from years gone by.

Marian Andrews, chairman of the town council, said: "We have all sorts of artefacts connected with Saxmundham, in fact, we have an enormous amount of stuff and it's very difficult to decide what to display.

"We are hoping it will become an important teaching and education resource for local children."

The museum has five rooms and each will be decorated along a separate theme.

Richard Crisp, chairman of the Saxmundham Museum Committee, said: "Work is coming along well. We have already completed two out of the five rooms and we hope to open by the Easter holidays."

Attractions will include a courtyard room, surrounded by old shop facades, and a mini-cinema.

The building used to be an old cinema and there are plans to recreate the days of the Saxmundham Playhouse, which closed in the late 1960's, by showing films about the local area.

Another highlight will be a costume room which will feature examples of traditional Suffolk dress. The room will also include a selection of outfits from Barbara Cartland's old costume maker, Pat Sears, who now lives in the town.

Mr Crisp said: "It's very exciting. She has some wonderful costumes and we are very lucky to be able to display them here."

The museum committee is still on the lookout for memorabilia. If you have anything you think they may be interested in contact Mr Crisp on 01728 663583.