London's Science Museum has been awarded £6m by the Heritage Lottery Fund towards its plans for the creation of a new gallery exploring the history of communications technology.

Making Modern Communications will see the museum exhibit "unique objects" combined with human stories in order to chart the 200-year evolution of modern communication.

The gallery will bring to life the most prominent moments where technology helped change the world, including the laying of the first telegraph cable across the Atlantic Ocean.

Around 1,000 objects will be put in display in the new gallery, including a 6m (20ft) tuning coil from Rugby Radio Station, which formed part of the UK's Cold War defences.

Meanwhile, participatory experiences involving diverse audiences will be placed at the heart of the project, including work with the Cameroonian community in London and Africa.

Science Museum Group director Ian Blatchford said: "The project represents a step change for the Science Museum and the first step in the delivery of its Master Plan.

"The award of the grant underlines the essential role of the Science Museum in helping to inspire engagement, particularly amongst young people."

For more on the Science Museum, visit: www.sciencemuseum.org.uk