Hitchin Initiative has been successful in its bid for £850,000 from the Community Builders' Fund, which is to go towards a new museum for the Hertfordshire town.

The cash will complement £3.5m already pledged by North Herts District Council (NHDC) to convert part of Hitchin Town Hall into the new attraction. Under the proposals, the property's existing gym area will be extended to accommodate the facility - bringing together both Hitchin and Letchworth's museums.

NHDC portfolio holder for community engagement Tricia Cowley said: "North Hertfordshire can now look forward to a new, modern museum while the community retains a superb venue for a wide range of activities." The council expects bringing both the Hitchin and Letchworth museums together on one site to save around £160,000 a year in running costs.