TOMORROW is a momentous day for Bury's famous Fusiliers when work on their new museum finally gets under way.

The Mayor of Bury, Councillor Farook Chaudhry, will put spade to earth and lift the first sod in preparation for building the museum at the former Arts and Craft Centre in Broad Street.

Years of planning and fundraising for the £3.7 million project will then take shape when contractors William Anelays take possession of the site.

There are 18 months of work ahead before the museum is to be opened formally on Gallipoli Day in 2009, to celebrate the Fusiliers' and Bury's enduring memory of the First World War battle.

The building will feature a new extension to Moss Street, which will house the museum entrance, reception and retail areas.

It will be refurbished and converted to include museum spaces and full access to the ground floor.

Once the contractors have finished, in about a year, the museum and regimental headquarters will be moved into the building and interactive displays, multi-purpose and education spaces fitted out.

Most of the funding, which includes a £2 million Lottery grant, is in place so construction work can begin.

Plans have been drawn up to bring in the remainder before the project's completion.

Colonel Brian Gorski, project leader, said it was an immensely proud day: "There is still a great deal of work to do but this is a moment to celebrate and to thank all the supporters and funders who are making the project happen."

The museum shares its completion date with the Bury Transport Museum, which is also being developed with Heritage Lottery Fund support.

Mr Mark Sanders, the council's chief executive, said: "Brian Gorski and his steering group have taken this project forward with great determination and vision. The council has offered every support within its power and we are delighted to see the Cultural Quarter fulfilling its potential at a time when the town as a whole is developing and expanding."