THE first museum to be housed inside a supermarket opened today.

Johnstone History Society launched the museum in the town's Morrisons store thanks to £29,000 funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Shoppers are free to wander round and view the extensive collection of photographs, arefacts and archives relating to the industrial and social history of the Renfrewshire town and surrounding area.

Run by five volunteers, the museum will host craftmaking workshops, guided tours, talks and lectures to encourage people to learn about and look after the heritage on their doorstep.

Colin McLean, HLF's manager for Scotland, said: "Getting people involved in heritage is one of the main aims of the Heritage Lottery Fund.

"This has to be one of the most innovative ways of doing that so we were delighted to give it our support.

"We congratulate Johnstone History Society and Morrisons for taking a ground-breaking step.

"The museum will give a great deal of pleasure to local residents as well as contributing to their sense of identity."

Roger Owen of Morrisons said: "Due to the significance of Johnstone's history and our desire to be involved in the community we are pleased to house the museum.

"This is the first time Morrisons has purpose-built such a facility and we are very impressed by what has been achieved by everyone involved.

"As part of our new strategic plan, Renfrewshire will become a priority area for the Heritage Lottery Fund.

"We will be working hard with local groups to make sure they make the most of the lottery grants available to them.

"This area has an amazing history because of its architecture, parks industry and traditions."