Museum's unsafe roof forces year-long closure

Roof problems have forced a military museum to shut its doors for about a year.

The roof at the Keep Military Museum in Dorchester, which is open to the public offering panoramic views, needs replacing.

The museum had hoped it could keep all but the top floor of the museum open while the work was done but checks have found it is potentially unsafe to do so.

Director, Elliot Metcalfe said news of the closure "was unexpected and a bit of a curve ball".

Run by charity, The Dorchester Keep Military Museum Trust, Mr Metcalfe said as the majority of the museum's income comes through admission "we are going to have do do some fundraising so we can remain viable for the future".

He added with the roof terrace being "a really big part of the museum experience" it was hoped it will be open again to visitors once the museum reopens.

The timeline for the work on the Grade II listed building, owned by the Ministry of Defence, is currently being drawn up.

The museum's online shop and research inquiry service will remain open during the closure.

The museum features thousands of original exhibits of military history relating to the regiments of Devonshire and Dorset.