AN appeal to raise money for Taunton's Somerset County Museum has been kicked-started by TV personality Mick Aston of Channel 4s Time Team.

The fundraising campaign, launched by Somerset County Council, hopes to raise £250,000 of public money towards the Museum of Somerset project.

Prof Aston is a passionate supporter of the initiative which aims to create a 21st century visitor attraction that will tell the story of Somerset through exciting new displays that show off Somerset County Museum's internationally important collections.

The total £6.5million cost of the project has been helped along by the Heritage Lottery Fund, who has set aside £4.8million towards the scheme.

People will be able to make donations by popping into the County Museum and putting money into a big replica castle keep which has been specially designed for the appeal.

Prof Aston said: "The wonderful collections here in Somerset deserve a first-class home, so I have firmly supported the bid to create the Museum of Somerset from the beginning. It is amazing to consider that, if everyone in Somerset gave 50p, we would reach the fundraising target. By working together we can help to secure the future of Somerset's important heritage."

He continued: "The current museum possesses some truly world class exhibits, however, these precious artefacts need to be presented in a more user-friendly way. The Museum of Somerset project will achieve this and improve the whole visitor experience. I'm pleased that the bid is progressing well and would encourage people to find a little bit of loose change to give to this worthy cause."

BLOB: TO see the video relating to this article visit our website - www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk