A Workington museum has been awarded "full accreditation" by the Arts Council from May 2019 for the next five years.

The Helena Thompson museum was judged on many areas of its work and collections to receive the award which is the industry standard for museums and galleries across the UK.

The accreditation scheme ensures museums manage their collections properly, engage with visitors and are governed appropriately.

Tricia Poole, museum manager, said: "We are delighted by our award. We have held this award for many years, and have been reviewed every five years. There is a lot of work goes into putting our evidence together to prove we have once again earned our museum's full accreditation award."

She said it is confirmation to the public, that they look after the collections with great care, and that anyone donating artefacts to the museum can be confident that they will be looked after for many years to come and for future generations to appreciate.

She said: "We are always very grateful for donations, so please do not bin or skip items you think are rubbish or no longer want, we will always make use of them here at the museum."

The museum had to provide evidence that it meets the agreed definition of a museum; statements of purpose, forward, business and emergency plans, risk assessments, security, caring for collection policies and that the public can see and engage with their collections.