The Tank Museum has been officially `Accredited` by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA).

The Tank Museum, which holds the world's finest and most historically significant collection of tanks, is the first in the area to be awarded the status.

The Museum Accreditation Scheme sets nationally agreed standards for all Museums in the UK. Tank Museum spokesman Nik Wyness said; "This award proves that The Tank Museum measures up - meeting all guidelines on how the Museum is run, how the collections are managed and looked after, and the services we provide our visitors.

"We are delighted to be awarded Accreditation, as it represents welcome recognition for all the hard work put in by staff over the last few years in making it happen.

"Having already been `Designated` by the Department of Media, Culture and Sport as having an `outstanding collection`, we see our new accolade as a further vote of confidence in the quality, significance and enjoyment value of our Museum."

Mark Wood, Chair of MLA, said; "Being awarded Accreditation is an impressive achievement. It recognises the high standard and service that the Museum provides and acknowledges the hard work of the staff. We offer The Tank Museum our congratulations."