KIDDERMINSTER’S Museum of Carpet celebrated its second birthday last weekend by providing visitors with a sweet treat.

Guests to the museum, which finally opened in October 2012 after years of campaigning, received a slice of special birthday cake to mark the occasion.

Julie Alcorn, museum manager, said: “The dream of having a museum to celebrate the town’s heritage took over 20 years to come to fruition.

“A small group of enthusiasts was formed, intent on creating a museum and dedicated to keeping alive the town’s rich heritage.

“This dream was finalised realised two years ago.”

Today the museum holds an unusual and unique collection as it is the only museum in the UK that is dedicated to telling the story of carpets and carpet making.

Filled with displays, activities and things to do, the museum has also been nominated for a prestigious European museum prize, the Micheletti Award.

The results of the prize, which is awarded to the best of Europe’s museums, are due in early 2015.

Following the second birthday celebrations, the museum is launching its first temporary exhibition gallery this weekend.

The In The Firing Line exhibition will commemorate the impact of the First World War within Kidderminster, and feature displays on how the war was reported back to the town’s residents through The Shuttle.

A launch event for the exhibition will be taking place on Friday evening, with the gallery open to the public between Saturday, October 25 and Friday, December 19.

As part of the exhibition visitors will be able to listen to transcripts of letters from soldiers as well as view a small selection of First World War army uniforms which will be on display, alongside numerous items loaned to the museum by members of the public.

For more information about the exhibition visit museumofcarpet.org