The only museum in Oxford that still levies an admission charge to visitors will stop doing so from Saturday.

The loss-making Museum of Oxford - the city council-run facility that tells the story of the city's history - has been struggling to keep its head above water.

Councillors even considered closing the museum in Blue Boar Street altogether.

However, it was eventually decided more visitors would turn up and spend money in the newly-opened cafe if the current £2, £1.50 and 50p fees were scrapped.

And from Saturday the theory will be put to the test.

City councillor Alan Armitage, executive member for a healthier environment, said: "The museum offers a vast array of activities and event for the whole family, including hands-on family fun days, art and craft workshops for children and talks and lectures for adults.

"We believe that by removing the admission charge to the museum galleries it will see an increase in visitor numbers and ensure the financial stability of the service in future years."

The six-month trial starts with a new Exploring Space exhibition.

Visitors will be able to learn about the solar system, space science in Oxfordshire and participate in special event days - which include meeting an astronaut.

The museum will also be celebrating the history of Oxford's famous authors in an exhibition starting in February next year.

The museum displays artefacts from across the city, including archaeology, historic documents and armour, and is the city's sole exhibition charting the development of Oxford.

There is also an extensive Oxford University exhibition.

In 2005/06 just £26,000 was generated from 25,600 admissions.

Earlier this year, city councillors were close to pulling the plug on the 30-year-old museum in an attempt to save cash.

But they decided to keep it open after hearing that closing it would save only £3,000 in 2006/07 and £150,000 in 2007/08.

They also feared closure would have a harmful effect on tourism and on plans to renovate the Town Hall.