English Heritage boss Dr Simon Thurley praised Wiltshire Museum in Devizes as he officially opened its new prehistoric galleries.

The galleries opened in October and have been attracting a large number of visitors.

The refurbishment cost £750,000, with roughly half the money from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and other funding from North Wessex Downs Leader, Plain Action and Wiltshire Council. The galleries will link with the new Stonehenge Visitor Centre opening in December.

At the official opening last week, Dr Thurley said: “I must congratulate you on a display that is so rich and full – wonderful displays that the Stonehenge World Heritage Site deserves.”

Dr Thurley was joined by Dr Phil Harding, presenter of Time Team, and Bob Bewley, head of operations for the HLF.

Mr Harding said: “I love my county and I love its prehistory. It is wonderful that the museum now has an exhibition that does justice to its collections. We can take on anybody when it comes to prehistoric stuff!”

Mr Bewley said: “You are displaying a fantastic piece of British Prehistory – the Bush Barrow lozenge is one of the most important pieces in Britain.”