Town's Roman museum celebrates its 20th year

People dressed as Romans and took part in crafts as part of the anniversary event

A museum which explores a town's Roman past is marking its 20th anniversary with a day of free activities.

The event at Roman Alcester Heritage Centre in the Warwickshire town on Priory Road takes place until 16:30 BST on Saturday and was arranged to thank the community for its support, said organisers.

People of any age can enjoy dressing like a Roman, craft activities and explore the displays of artefacts, organisers said.

Susan Juned, chair of the heritage centre, said: “The emphasis of the museum has always been about the community."

The museum provided materials for crafts which included making shields and mosaic tiles

She said this included the "amazing" displays which were guided by Warwickshire Museum service, school trips to the centre and "the day-to-day commitment of our dedicated volunteers".

The site displays objects found in excavations and provides learning resources about the Roman period.

"Alcester is one of the most investigated Roman small towns in the country, with over 100 archaeological digs in the last 80 years," the museum said.

Alcester Day Care, which supports people with dementia and their carers, was among several local organisations who helped mark the museum's anniversary by making shields.

Carole Zambonini, chair of the centre, said: "Our members have added all the activities onto their shields which they enjoy - singing, chatting, golf, tea drinking and the cakes."