A FULL scale burial reconstruction, an interactive hub, audio stories and replica objects for visitors to handle will form the centerpieces of a £4.2 million redevelopment of Colchester Castle, it has been revealed.

Colchester Castle Museum, set in Europe’s largest surviving Norman Keep, will close for more than a year from this Monday while it undergoes an ambitious transformation.

After being stripped of its content, the castle will temporarily reopen this spring for events including a beer festival, tours, a Medieval Day and a craft fair.

A year of work including repairs and the introduction of new displays will then take place before the museum opens in spring 2014.

See Friday's Gazette for the full story.