TELEVISION historian Dan Snow will officially open the Tank Museum’s new Warhorse to Horsepower exhibition next month.

This exhibition, charting the rise of armoured vehicles in the early twentieth century, forms the cornerstone of the Bovington museum’s Great War anniversary commemorations.

A spokesman said: “Guided by the voices of the animals themselves, adults and children will be able to experience an incredibly detailed journey through the evolution of the modern cavalry straight from the horse’s mouth.

“From the traditional horseback units to the tanks and armoured vehicles that would go on to dominate the Second World War, the exhibition presents the history of the cavalry of the early 20th century in unparalleled detail, whilst providing the opportunity to reflect on the terrible sacrifices made by men and horses alike on the Western Front.”

The exhibition, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England, has established the museum’s World War I Centenary commemorations “at its core”, said the spokesman.

It took two months to construct in conjunction with Far Post Design Ltd, and with the help of local groups including the Dorset Youth Association, Muntsys and the Dorset Blind Association .

“The exhibition is accessible to all with an emphasis on interactivity,” said the spokesman. “The museum is also delighted to welcome the descendants of the Morris brothers – who both transferred from cavalry regiments to the Tank Corps – whose donation of letters, photographs and medals perfectly illustrate the swift evolution of warfare through the military careers of two ordinary soldiers in WWI.”

• Dan Snow is scheduled to cut the ribbon on at the exhibition on April 3.