As the clock strikes midnight on 4th December, staff at Stroud's Museum in the Park will once again take on the role of Cinderella to clear the cobwebs and dust all the corners to preserve the hundreds of historic objects in their care.

Until Christmas, the tiny but dedicated museum team will be working hard to ensure all artefacts in the museum collection are checked, cleaned and put back where they should be.

Alexia Clark, museum collections officer, said: "It is a lengthy and careful operation which can't take place whilst visitors are here, so we'll be closed to the public from 4th to 31st December.

"We'll also be deep cleaning all the carpets, floors, toilets and windows so that we're ready to re-open our doors on New Year's Day."

To celebrate the museum re-opening in January, children can enjoy a new Cinderella I Spy museum trail, designed by local artist Tracy Spiers, which re-imagines the classic tale through museum objects. Everyone who completes the hunt will receive a special sticker designed by Tracy as a prize.

Meanwhile as part of the museum's family events programme, acclaimed Stroud-based Daylight Theatre Company will be performing its festive production of Cinderella at Lansdown Hall.

Featuring a charming prince, two ghastly ugly sisters, Wuff the dog, Ruff the rat, Buttons and of course Cinderella, the hour-long show will take place at 11am and 2.30pm on Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd December.

Tickets are on sale from the Subscription Rooms on 01453 760900.