With the government removing current COVID-19 restrictions today (Monday), museums and heritage centre across England are left with the decision of how to move forward.

Axminster Heritage Centre has said that, as its top priority has always been to their volunteers and visitors, it will still expect the wearing of face masks on their premises.

Centre manager Nigel Sadler said: "After careful consideration of what both the government and scientists are reporting and advising, we have decided that in order to continue to safeguard our volunteers and visitors within our museum, information point and shop we will be maintaining face coverings while inside our building (unless exempt), our one-way system, two metres social distancing, and our hand sanitising stations.

"We hope therefore that our visitors will understand our decision to refuse admittance of our venue to anyone unwilling to abide by the above conditions. We will be reviewing this decision on September 1."

From Monday, July 26 Axminster Heritage Centre will be open six days a week as it returns to summer opening hours of Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm and Saturdays 10am to 1pm.

As part of the further easing of lockdown restrictions, the centre will be reactivating all of its push button interactive displays and is hoping to start operating their original 1930s Crabtree loom once more every Thursday morning.

Mr Slader added: "Our visitors have really missed these and we are delighted to be able to reintroduce them!"

"We would like to thank everyone who has supported us during this difficult time and hope that our visitors will continue to help us so we can help protect each other."