WAREHAM museum is set to open with a roar on Good Friday, by exhibiting a model of a dinosaur – whose fossilised remains were first discovered just a few miles away on the Jurassic Coast.

The fossil remains of Juratyrant (Jurassic Tyrant) were first found at Kimmeridge in 1984.

Experts believe this carnivore was around the size of an ostrich and partly feathered.

The model on show at Wareham has been reconstructed based on the 150 million-year-old fossil remains, and is the only display specimen of this species known.

Wareham Museum curator Ben Buxton said: “The model was made and generously donated by Dougal Dixon, a Wareham-based science writer and dinosaur expert.”

Wareham Mayor Carol Turner will unveil the display at the museum’s grand opening on the afternoon of April 3.

Mr Buxton said: “Also new this season is a display of Saxon silver pennies which were minted in Wareham at a time when it was an important town in the kingdom of Wessex.

“The coins were found in Scandinavia, and were probably taken there by Vikings who were bribed by the English to stay away and stop causing trouble.”

Other attractions set for the museum this year include the showing of a new DVD, which introduces the museum to visitors. This film was created by museum volunteers and features these volunteers presenting a number of treasures from the collection.

Mr Buxton added: “Younger visitors can take part in our free draw a dinosaur competition, between 2-4pm. There will be a crème egg for every entrant. Prizes for winners will be a chocolate egg for under sevens and a Lego dinosaur kit for seven to 11-year-olds.”

The winners of the opening day’s dinosaur competition will be announced at 4pm.

Wareham Museum, supported by Wareham Town Council, opens Monday to Saturday, 10am-4pm, April to October.