A NEW museum for Hereford which displays the city's historic charters has been officially opened.

The Hereford Civic Museum can be found upstairs in the town hall next to the Mayor's Parlour and exhibits the charters, which date back to 1189, and many items of silver.

At the moment the museum is open by appointment only and people who wish to visit need to call the Mayor's office.

Hereford City Council, which paid for the museum, said they hope that the museum will be open in the summer with the help of the British Guild of Tourist Guides.

Mayor of Hereford, Sharon Michael, said: “I am really pleased that the silver and charters are now in a well-designed and accessible room and we look forward to being able to open that collection five days a week.

"At the moment we are still moving the charters up from the vault and the museum is open by appointment with the mayor’s office on 01432 260438. As soon as we are open Monday to Friday we will make another announcement. Until then if you want to arrange a tour just ring and we will make an appointment for you.”

The artefacts are displayed in pressurised, air-sealed display cabinets,

The city council spent £75,000 on the new museum which paid for the specialised cabinets, upgrading the alarm system and installing security glazing.

The charters and silver were previously kept in the vaults at the town hall which were not accessible to all of the public, as they were down steep stairs. The new museum is accessible via a lift.