Clitheroe Castle Museum is celebrating after being awarded Full Accreditation status by Arts Council England.
The accreditation means that the museum, managed by Lancashire County Council on behalf of Ribble Valley Borough Council, has received the highest level of national recognition.
The scheme sets nationally agreed standards for all museums in the UK. To meet the requirements, museums and galleries have to demonstrate that they comply with standards relating to how they are governed and managed, how they provide services and facilities for users and visitors, and how they care for and manage their collections.
County Councillor Peter Buckley, cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: “This is a just reward for the amount of work that went in to the submission for the award, and it really is fantastic news for all involved.
“We’re very pleased, it’s been a very long and rigorous process, but we’ve been judged to have a reached a good standard by the assessors. This accreditation is important to us as it demonstrates that we have met a national standard.
“The process of applying for accreditation enables museums and governing bodies to assess their current performance, and it supports them in planning and developing their services.”
Stuart Carefoot, chairman of Ribble Valley Borough Council’s community services committee, said: “Clitheroe Castle is a central part of the borough’s tourism offer, attracting thousands of visitors a year to its keep, park, gallery and museum.
“The museum was the subject of a £3.5million refurbishment by Ribble Valley Borough Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund several years ago, and we are delighted that Lancashire County Council’s management of this first-class facility has been recognised by the Arts Council.”
The accreditation lasts for approximately three years.
