A SOCIAL history project is set to launch after a five-figure sum was granted.

Andover Museum has been successful in securing £10,000 of National Lottery Heritage funding to begin a new community-led social history project.

The museum, which is operated by Hampshire Cultural Trust (HCT), has partnered with Chapel Arts Studios (CAS) and Test Valley Arts Foundation to create Asking Andover, which will celebrate the town’s heritage.

Asking Andover will enable residents to share and celebrate the rich and diverse personal histories of the town’s people.

In May, associate artist James Aldridge from CAS will transform the gallery area at the Church Close museum into an interactive community space.

Visitors will be able to participate in heritage-related activities such as training in oral history and object handling, enabling them to learn new skills, tell their stories and be creative.

A community exhibition will then run in July and August to showcase Andover’s ‘remembered past’ which is not currently represented in the museum.

Residents will bring their personal collections to life and co-curate the exhibition, which will capture, record and showcase the history of the town.

Deborah Neubauer, head of community at HCT, said: “We are delighted that we’ve received this support thanks to National Lottery players.

"The project is a unique opportunity for the community to share past memories/experiences and look together to the future of Andover."

Further information about the Asking Andover project can be found at hampshireculture.org.uk/andover-museum.