AMBITIOUS plans to redevelop Taunton's County Museum have taken an historic turn with a £4.8million cash boost.

Somerset County Council's plans to restore Taunton Castle and create the Museum of Somerset have won the backing of the Heritage Lottery Fund, which has announced the six-figure sum has been allocated in it budget.

The aim is to create a modern museum to tell the story of Somerset, from prehistoric times to the present That will mean new displays to show off the museum's vast and varied collections to best effect. Many of these, such as the Low Ham roman mosaic, are of international importance.

The new museum would also offer much improved services for visitors including a cafe, extended opening times and a large temporary gallery capable of staging national touring exhibitions.

It is hoped that visitor numbers will double to over 60,000 annually.

The plans also allow for restoration of Taunton Castle itself, which is a Grade 1 Listed building, parts of which date back to the 12th Century.

This would enable much more of the Castle to be opened up to the public, and would provide vastly improved access for people with disabilities.

The Museum of Somerset Project forms a crucial part of Project Taunton's plans to enhance the county town, with Taunton Castle standing at the heart of a new cultural quarter.

The county council's Museum of Somerset project leader, Tom Mayberry, said: "This is excellent news for Somerset and Taunton.

"The Heritage Lottery Fund has approved the full amount of our bid - a demonstration of the strength of the Museum of Somerset proposal and fund's support for it."

Somerset County Council is now moving into the next phase of the project, which will involve developing detailed plans for the Museum of Somerset.

Part of this will involve finding out more about what people want in the new museum, along with a public fundraising campaign that aims to raise £250,000 towards the overall £6.5million cost of the project.

Final proposals have to be submitted to the HLF in early 2008. If approved, the fund will release the money later that year. The museum would then close for about 12-18 months whilst the development works take place.

Somerset County Council's portfolio holder for adult and community services, Justin Robinson, said: "This is wonderful news for all the 10,000 people who signed our scroll and have backed the Museum of Somerset bid over the past year.

"The council and its partners can now move its ambitious plans forward, bringing the history of our great county to new audiences."

Nerys Watts, HLF Manager for the South-West said "This fantastic project will give local people and visitors alike an opportunity to explore Somerset and understand what makes it such an important part of our heritage.

"It's an excellent way to learn about local history and I have no doubt it will prove to be very popular."

A new display will open in the museum in April giving more details about the Museum of Somerset proposals.

The museum is open 10am-5pm Tuesday-Saturday. Admission is free.