An exhibition inviting people to revisit their childhood by celebrating half a century of family board games will open at Rutland County Museum later this month.

The Game Play exhibition is part of a series of special events and activities taking place throughout 2019 to mark the museum's 50th anniversary as one of Rutland's favourite free visitor attractions.

It looks back at the history of board games, which date back thousands of years but grew rapidly in popularity in the 19th century thanks to the introduction of mass production methods.

The temporary display will be on show at the museum from 13 July to 7 September and will feature around 30 board, card and dice games from the 1920s to the 1970s - all on loan from local collectors.

There will also be plenty of modern games for visitors to play, including giant versions of Snakes and Ladders, Scrabble, Draughts and Dominoes.

Councillor Lucy Stephenson, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure at Rutland County Council, said: "Lots of us will have fond memories of growing up playing board games with our families.

"So much has changed following the growth of the internet and online games but time spent with family is just as important as it's always been.

"This exhibition is a great chance for those of us of a certain age to take a trip down memory lane and relive childhood memories.

"It's also a lovely opportunity to show children and grandchildren the types of games that we grew up playing and, perhaps, inspire them to dig out a board game at home."

Rutland County Museum opened its doors for the first time in May 1969 following 10 years of campaigning and fundraising by local charity Friends of Rutland County Museum.

The Game Play exhibition follows on from the museum's 50th anniversary Family Day, held in May to mark the start of the anniversary celebrations.

Other events taking place this year include:

· Summer Workshop: Space 1969 - The Moon Landing, 31 July

· Special artefact unveiling and Friends of Rutland County Museum 60th anniversary celebration, October 2019

The museum, open from 10am to 4pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, is one of the most popular free attractions in the East Midlands and welcomed more than 18,000 visitors last year.

For more information about upcoming events and activities as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations, click the red button below, email [email protected] or call 01572 758440.