AN EXHIBITION celebrating the life and legacy of Sir Terry Pratchett has been shortlisted for an award.

Thousands of visitors flocked to see the Terry Pratchett: HisWorld exhibition at Salisbury Museum, which has been nominated in the Best Temporary or Touring Exhibition category in the Museum and Heritage Awards.

The museum worked closely with the Estate of Sir Terry Pratchett and artist Paul Kidby, who illustrated many of the Discworld publications, to put the exhibition together.

A spokesman for the museum said: "Right from the moment the doors opened, it was clear that we had a hit on our hands. By the time the exhibition closed on January 14 this year, more than 21,000 people had come to see the exhibition, literally from all over the world.

"We are so very proud to have reached the shortlist."

Pratchett, who lived in Broad Chalke, died in March 2015 after a public battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

The major exhibition explored his life and gave fans and visitors alike an insight into the man who created some of literature’s most popular fantasy worlds and characters.

It featured artwork by Terry himself, and more than 40 original paintings and drawings by Paul Kidby, Pratchett's first published short story The Hades Business and his first typewriter, which was on display for the first time.

The exhibition also featured a full-size recreation of Terry's office, which was known as The Chapel.

It is up against other entries including the National Trust for its Prejudice & Pride exhibition, the Science Museum in London for Robots: The 500-Year Quest to Make, Victoria and Albert Museum for You Say You Want a Revolution?

The annual Museums and Heritage Awards, which are now in its 16th year, recognise projects of excellence, and innovative and ground-breaking initiatives from galleries and visitor attractions across the UK and overseas.

The winners will be announced on May 16.