SOMERSET County Museum, in Taunton, is hosting a fun-filled Easter Extravaganza on Monday, March 24.

It includes drill and musket displays by Taunton Garrison members dressed in authentic costumes, family craft activities, behind-the-scenes tours and a guest appearance by Sparky, Somerset County Council's dragon.

The event comes as the museum prepares to close on April 19 as it gets transformed into the new Museum of Somerset.

The £6.5million project - which has attracted £4.8m from the Heritage Lottery Fund - will provide the town with a first-class visitor attraction.

Visitors will also be able to see preparations being made before building works start at Taunton Castle in the autumn.

This will include a live archaeological dig in the courtyard and demonstrations by the team responsible for packing-up the museum's thousands of objects.

Carrie Blogg, Somerset County Council's Museum of Somerset Project Manager, said: "We're really excited about our Easter Extravaganza.

"There will be something for everybody, and it will be a great opportunity to see around the Castle and Museum, as it currently looks, before we temporarily close."

The museum opens from 10am until 5pm, and entry is free. Activities and tours run from 11am until 4pm. Refreshments are available.