CHRISTMAS was going with a real swing at Soudley's Dean Heritage Centre this week with the announcement that they have been granted "a first stage pass" for a massive financial contribution from the Heritage Lottery Commission.

The Heritage Trust is planning a development costing nearly £500,000, and the Heritage Lottery Fund look likely to pump in £375,000 towards that total.

Commenting on the news, director Kate Biggs stressed that it was not yet approval in full and there was still more work to do.

"The money from the Heritage Lottery Fund will be used to make the museum more accessible, renew the displays and improve the stores, allowing us to put more artifacts on display," she said.

"This project is really going to make a difference to the future of the centre. It will allow us to make long needed changes.

"We are hoping that with the help we are receiving from other agencies active in the Forest, such as the Regional Development Agency, Countryside Agency, and the solid support and help from the Forest of Dean District Council, we can really make this a community museum," she said.

Subject to the approval, work could start on redeveloping the centre next winter.