Country museum makes cash appeal

Exhibits will include this antique wagon, once used in Shropshire

Curators are appealing to the public to find a final £250,000 in funding for a newly-developed museum on the history of English country life.

Building is nearly finished on the new £10.5m premises for The Museum of English Rural Life, on Redlands Road in Reading, Berkshire.

It is hoped doors will open in spring 2005, but extra cash is still needed.

Farming, crafts and 200 years of life will be exhibited in a hi-tech setting, including touch screens and animation.

So far the development has been paid for jointly by Reading University, public donations and grants, including £5.2m from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Those interested in making a donation can email [e-mail].