ROSSENDALE Museum has re-opened to the public -- just months after a massive campaign saved it from closure.

Today the leader of Lancashire County Council predicted a bright future for the popular venue and said it would be used to teach youngsters about the borough's rich history.

The museum, in Whitaker Park, Rawtenstall, was earmarked for the axe as part of budget cuts imposed after Rossendale Borough Council, which ran the museum, was named the worst local authority in the country last year.

But a new agreement between the county and borough councils has secured the future of the popular attraction.

Improved marketing as part of Lancashire County Council's museum network and more use as an educational facility was promised when County Councillor Leader Hazel Harding and Councillor Graham Pearson performed the reopening.

Coun Harding said: "Rossendale Museum has some near-unique exhibits that brilliantly tell of life in the area.

"What is vital is that each generation understands its own history. That is a part of civic education -- an education that children particularly need to understand.

"Children already love exhibits such as Nelly the Elephant and the stuffed tiger being throttled by a python. But there is much more to history than such delights -- who remembers the Zeppelin air raid and how many younger people, these days, know about our textile past and the riots that resulted in an army call-out?

"Education will be a key part of Rossendale Museum's future. At the same time, Lancashire County Council now has 12 museums so we can include Rossendale in our existing marketing effort."

Work to start later this year will provide improved access for disabled people and a new meeting room for educational purposes.

The museum and its exhibits will remain in the ownership of Rossendale Council which is handing its budget for running costs to Lancashire County Council. Curator Sandra Cruise remains at the museum.

Council Leader Graham Pearson, said: "The public showed how much they valued the museum with a large petition last autumn.

"We said then that we would save it and I am sure this partnership is the ideal solution. Easter has always been a popular time to visit the museum so we were determined to reopen this week.

"I know the county has plans to develop the museum education and this will benefits all generations. There is something here for everyone."

Work will begin in the summer on a £200,000 extension which will improve disabled access and create more space for displays.

A £165,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund is paying for most of the work.

Building work is expected to last six months and costs will be supplemented by £10,000 from the Friends of Rossendale Museum, £29,000 from Rossendale Council and £8,000 from the North West Museum Service.