A HAMPSHIRE museum has been officially accredited by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.

The newly refurbished Westbury Manor Museum in Fareham is part of a network of newly accredited museums.

The Museum Accreditation Scheme sets nationally agreed standards for all museums in the UK.

Westbury Manor Museum's award proves that it measures up to meeting the guidelines on how it is run, how it looks after its collections and services it provides visitors.

Mark Wood, chairman of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, said: "Being awarded accreditation is an impressive achievement. It recognises the high standard and service that Westbury Manor Museum provides and acknowledges the hard work of the staff."