HERITAGE collectors are being invited to rehome small items which survived the blaze that destroyed Coate Agricultural Museum store in 2016.

Swindon Borough Council is hoping to find new homes for 630 objects such as agricultural tools, components, and other miscellaneous items which survived the fire.

The items are being offered free of charge to accredited museums but expressions of interest from organisations and individuals are being welcomed by the council.

Coun. Garry Perkins, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: “After a rigorous process to identify items that should be retained within the council’s three accredited museums, we’re now seeking new homes for these small items which had been kept in the Agricultural Museum Store at Coate.

“We would welcome applications from organisations or individuals within Swindon, and priority will be given to those that can demonstrate a commitment to ensuring the objects remain accessible to the public.”

In May the council came under fire after larger artefacts, some dating back to the 19th century, ended up at a metal recycling centre in Swindon,

Heritage groups from Swindon found a temporary store for the items, paying more than £500 to the scrap metal company to save them.