Exeter's Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) has reopened to the public following a comprehensive £24m refurbishment undertaken over the last four years.

One of the UK's largest regional heritage attractions, the scheme was one of the first major programmes of work to be carried out at the building since its 1868 foundation.

Late 20th century fittings and additions were removed from the property in order to reveal its original architectural features as part of the refurbishment.

A new exhibition gallery and a modern entrance from Rougemont Gardens also formed part of the scheme, which received a £9.5m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

A RAMM spokesperson said: "The museum has new displays showcasing the collections and collectors that have helped RAMM to become one of Britain's finest regional museums.

"They tell the story of Exeter and Devon from the prehistoric to the present but, more than a local museum, its internationally important world cultures and natural history collections also tell a story of global exploration and collecting in the 18th and 19th centuries."

Details: www.rammuseum.org.uk

Image: Philip Halling