Final preparations are being made for a very special birthday celebration at Rutland County Museum.

The 50th birthday celebration at the Oakham museum is free to attend and is being held next Friday (11 Oct), starting at 7.30pm.

Entertainment will include music until 11pm, together with a birthday cake and a bar service offering refreshments throughout the evening.

Coun Lucy Stephenson, Rutland County Council's Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said: "It's been wonderful to celebrate half a century of Rutland County Museum this year.

"We've had some fantastic family events, together with fascinating special exhibitions that have added to the thousands of visitors who love coming here each year.

"Rutland County Museum has been at the heart of our community since it first opened its doors 50 years ago.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to come along and celebrate this wonderful local facility.

"It's an open invitation and we hope as many people as possible will be able to attend."

Rutland County Museum has been celebrating its 50th anniversary throughout this year, having been officially opened by the Duchess of Gloucester on 12 May, 1969.

Click on the red button below for more information about the event and timings. Alternatively, email [email protected] or call 01572 758 440.