A POPULAR tourist attraction for the Maldon district has received national recognition after being awarded an accreditation accolade.

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome has been awarded national museum accreditation by Arts Council England.

Accreditation is the benchmark for well-run museums and galleries.

It means the military aviation museum in Hackmans Lane is properly managed and governed to the nationally agreed industry standard.

The accreditation, which has been two years in the making, secures the attraction's future as it opens up more funding opportunities and gives confidence to donors and sponsors who may wish to support the museum.

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Ian Flint, Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome CEO, said: "This is a wonderful endorsement of all of the hard work of the museum team.

"We’re so grateful. It’s a great step forward in our journey to make our much-loved project part of the national heritage landscape."

Liz Johnson, director of museums and cultural property at Arts Council England, said: "We’re delighted Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome has been successful in gaining their accreditation status.

"This means their collections will be looked after and maintained offering inspiration, enjoyment and learning for the local community and visitors to enjoy now and in the future."