Brightlingsea Museum’s progress since it opened five years ago in the town’s former police station has been marked with the award of an accreditation certificate from Arts Council England.

The award recognises the way that the volunteer-run museum manages and meets standards on caring for its collections and engaging with visitors.

On Saturday, March 25, the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Jennifer Tolhurst, presented the award to museum trustee and curator Margaret Stone at an event also attended by High Sheriff Nick Alston, local MP Sir Bernard Jenkin, Brightlingsea Mayor Mick Barry, representatives of the Cinque Port Liberty of Brightlingsea including Droit-gatherer Roger Tabor and museum volunteers.

The Station Road museum opens for the new season at Easter.