SOUTHEND Pier Museum is celebrating after being given the seal of approval by the organisation that governs museums.

The museum has won accreditation from the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, which sets nationally agreed standards for all museums in the UK.

Southend Pier Museum’s award proves it meets the council’s strict guidelines on how it is run, how it looks after its collections, and the services it provides its visitors.

Peggy Dowie, voluntary pier museum manager and chairman of Southend Pier Museum Trust, said: “I’m delighted we have achieved the accreditation award, and would like to thank all the volunteers at the museum for their co-operation and hard work which has contributed in making this possible.

“This accreditation will keep us on our toes to ensure our high standards are maintained.”

The museum had to revamp some areas, show it was conserving and restoring its collection, and prove it was offering plenty for visitors and its members.

It holds a nationally important heritage collection relating to the history of the town’s famous pier.