Havering Museum in London has officially opened.

The former brewery was transformed with the help of a £990,000 HLF grant. It opened one day a week once building work was completed in February, but is now open Wednesdays to Saturdays.

Wesley Kerr, chair of HLF's London Committee, said: "For the first time in six decades this important borough - in the heart of London, the heart of Essex, and the soul of Anglo-Saxon England - has a heritage hub.

"Havering is full of rich history, with the unique status of having been a Royal Liberty. Now so many stories can be told and the people can see their past and present explained and reflected through fabulous objects, displays and events. The old brewery at the end of the High Street, just off the historic Market Place, is a perfect central location. A great achievement, which HLF has been pleased to support."

The independent museum will be run by Havering Musuem Ltd, supported by Havering Borough Council.

The museum's collections include medieval silver pennies, 19th century weights and measures, clay pipes sold by local pubs, blacksmiths' tools, a 1930s wedding dress, sports trophies and World War II mementoes.

Objects in the museum are separated into themes including farming, transport and childhood and there are five pods telling the stories of Havering-atte-Bower, Hornchurch, Romford, Rainham and Upminster and their surrounding areas.

It also has two permanent exhibition areas, a temporary exhibition and event space and a shop selling local history books and heritage gifts. There is a learning space, funded by Veolia ES Cleanaway Havering Riverside Trust where school groups and families can take part in activities and workshops.