FLOCKS of visitors fled to the Norton Collection Museum at its grand opening this weekend to catch a first glimpse of the new collections.

Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid and town crier Kevin Ward were among those to attend the event on May 28, where the museum was reopened after eight years.

Over the last few weeks collection owner Dennis Norton and other supporters have worked around the clock to fix up the museum, which now boasts previously-unseen artefacts.

Dennis said: "The opening went very well, I'm very pleased. We had lots of people turn out, especially in the afternoon, and a good crowd when it was opened by Sajid Javid - the crowd went right back to the road."

The museum, which had been run by Bromsgrove District Council since 1992, was closed in January 2008, but collection owner Dennis Norton didn't give up hope of buying the building back and reopening.

He added: "Lots of people who remembered the museum said how different it was inside - especially the Guild section, which is a really comprehensive display."

Dennis is now planning a major refurbishment of the entrance and the provision of extra space at the rear of the building for a major display of Bromsgrove Guild's work.

The museum is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm, but Dennis is hoping for opening hours to be extended if more volunteers come forward.

To volunteer or for more information, contact Dennis Norton on 01527 578676.