WORK on a major transformation of Bolton's Museum, Art Gallery and Aquarium is beginning.

The £225,000 scheme will see exhibition space revamped and a permanent art gallery created.

Once work is complete, paintings by famous artists including Turner, Romanelli, Millais, and Bolton-born Thomas Moran will be on display. The work of renowned sculptors Jacob Epstein and Henry Moore will also form part of exhibitions.

Cllr Bob Ronson, Bolton Council's executive member for adult services, said: "Bolton is not widely known for having an extensive art collection, but we have been unable to show many of our pieces.

"The refurbishments will enable us to display much more of what is a truly stunning collection.

"The work will also provide much more modern, comfortable facilities for our visitors.

"We want people to visit time and again to enjoy not only the artworks, but also the surroundings."

The museum has a huge collection of important and valuable exhibits but, at present, is unable to display a lot of them due to lack of space.

Refurbishment will allow a large number of treasures to be displayed for the first time.

Changing displays will showcase a variety of objects from the decorative art collection, including artefacts from Japan and China, 18th century glass and work by contemporary studio potters and glass makers.

Indian metalwork and Bhuddas from Burma and China will also be on view.

The Department for Culture Media and Sport and the Wolfson Foundation provided £114,281 and the Pilgrim Trust £17,816 towards the cost of the work.

Further funding has come from the John Bradshaw Gass Charitable Trust, the Friends of Bolton Museum and Art Gallery, and the museum's funds. The galleries will be given new lighting and showcases.

l The exhibition gallery will re-open on February 4, with the others being opened on March 4. For more information, call 01204 332211 or visit www.boltonmuseums.org.uk