THE Fusilier Museum proved an attraction for Culture Secretary Sajid Javed on a visit to Bury ahead of the General Election.

Mr Javid, whose responsibilities include the arts, media and sport, threw his support behind his fellow Conservative David Nuttall, who will contest the Bury North seat, during a trip to the museum in Moss Street yesterday.

The museum will open a new exhibition next Thursday to mark the forthcoming centenary of the Gallipoli campaign in World War One.

A particular feature of the showcase, the Six VCs Before Breakfast, will be an installation centred on the Victoria Crosses given to six members of the Lancashire Fusiliers for their bravery during battle in Turkey exactly 100 years ago a week on Saturday.

During the visit, Mr Javid was given a sneak preview of the exhibition and said: "The museum is fantastic and this exhibition is hugely important. I really wanted to get glimpse of it.

"It was quite a moving experience to see the display and think of what these young lads felt at the time of the war.

"It makes you feel privileged to know they gave their lives so we could have ours.

"When you look at how seldom the Victoria Cross has been awarded and how prestigious it is, these six were very special people."

Mr Javid praised museum staff for utilising an £800,000 Lotto grant to open up a community space for outside groups to use.

"The changes they have made are a great way of promoting the museum and what it has to offer while raising money. For me, that it is an example that other museums can look at," said the minister.

Outlining the national significance of the Bury North seat, he added: "It's hugely important. This seat is key for all the major parties.

"It's a straight fight between the Conservatives and Labour.

"In David Nuttall, we have an absolutely fantastic MP who is well recognised and well loved.

"Unemployment in Bury North is down 37 per cent since 2010. It's a significant achievement.

"Crime is down 27 per cent in Greater Manchester since 2010 and when David is talking to people at the doorstep about the economy, job creation, investing in infrastructure and Help to Buy, he is getting a warm reception.”