AN actress who stars in the BBC programme Father Brown is opening a public display of plans for a major development of the Blockley Heritage Centre.

Sorcha Cusack, who plays the Irish parish secretary Mrs McCarthy in the series which has been filmed in and around Blockley over the last three years, is opening the exhibition on Saturday July 19 at 10.15am.

As previously reported, the £600,000 development of the society's premises next to St George’s Hall include a dedicated permanent exhibition hall, a heritage library and a Parish Council office along with the existing public hall that will serve as a lecture room and heritage activity centre for visiting school parties.

The museum will illustrate life in the Blockley parish from early Jurassic times – when Blockley was mainly under the sea and plesiosaurs were often seen - through to the present day and will bring to life eight strands of its history .

Society chairman Robert Willott said he was very pleased the actress was opening the display.

"All actresses and actors are pretty busy people, it's very nice to have them take some time out, we're very grateful indeed," he said.

“We are hoping there will be a big turnout of villagers who would like to know more about our plans. Everyone who views the plans and gives their comments by July 31 will be entered into a draw for a

magnum of Champagne.”

The plans will go on public display on Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20 in the Blockley Heritage Centre, in Park Road, while members are invited to a preview the week before.