The Museum of Rail Travel has received a coveted accreditation.

The attraction — at Ingrow Railway Centre — was awarded the qualification under a scheme administered by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.

Rigorous checks must be passed to gain the accreditation, which aims to ensure a minimum standard of service delivery and public accountability.

Richard Gibbon — for the Vintage Carriages Trust (VCT), which runs the museum — said: “We live in an increasingly ‘measured’ society where it is expected that everything we deal with has been rigorously assessed.

“This applies to our children, our hotels, our schools, our own work performance and even our house insulation! Of course museums are not exempt and the VCT has just emerged with honours from this process.

“The checks are there to ensure that systems and activities conform to nationally-agreed safeguards and standards.”

He added: “What is remarkable and makes this qualification special for us is that our museum is volunteer run and is a very small fish in a big sea.

“I would like to say well done to all those who worked so hard to get the museum’s systems through all the hoops to gain full accreditation.

“Getting accredited means that the VCT is going to be in a much better and more respected position within its wider community to be eligible for grants, awards and partnerships. It is a great achievement.”