A £10 million scheme to create a new 1930s high street at the Black Country Living Museum was given a VIP launch – as a new lottery bid is made to open up caves at a neighbouring tourist attraction.

Hundreds of civic dignitaries and guests were treated to an evening reception and a glimpse of the Tipton Road attraction’s ambitious plans to showcase more of the Black Country’s heritage.

And today Dudley Council announced it is to resurrect its multi-million pound plans to turn historic caverns into a tourist spot as well, promising a further boost to the region’s economy.

The event at the Black Country Living Museum was hosted by Byron Head, the High Sheriff for the West Midlands, and aimed to raise the profile of the museum as well as encourage support and investment in its future.

The guests were treated to tour of the 26-acre Tipton Road site, which included sampling the attraction’s famous fish and chips.