A WIMBORNE museum has been awarded a status reflecting its educational work.

The Museum of East Dorset, an independent charity, has been presented with the Sandford Award for Heritage Education, recognising its dedication to providing “engaging and enriching educational experiences”.

Since 1978, The Heritage Education Trust has been running the Sandford Award to praise heritage sites across the UK that run educational programmes.

It is the only scheme in existence that judges formal learning programmes at heritage sites, with a particular focus on how sites such as the Museum of East Dorset can link to the curriculum children are learning in the classroom.

An assessor was sent to the attraction, which said education is “central to the Museum of East Dorset’s ethos and values”.

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They were particularly impressed by the dedication of the experienced volunteers and how “in all sessions, the long history of the building and the extensive collections were utilised to inspire children to discover the stories of the past that the museum holds, to make learning fun, active and memorable”.

They added: “One of the most captivating parts to see in use is the range in the kitchen, where children can also use original or replica items, including weighing scales and toasting forks.”

Museum director, Chezzie Hollow, added: “I’m so thrilled. It’s a wonderful recognition of our long-standing commitment to learning at a time when many organisations in the sector have had to make cuts.

“Our dedicated team of volunteers are passionate about creating an environment that makes heritage learning engaging, inspiring and accessible to all.”