Kirklees Council has received the Full Museum Accreditation Award.

Administered by Arts Council England, each of the council's museums, Tolson Museum, Bagshaw Museum and Oakwell Hall in Birstall, including the Kirklees Collections, are recognised under the accreditation.

Considered a benchmark within the museum sector, the accreditation recognises that the council’s museums adhere to nationally agreed industry standards, and that its collections are given proper care.

Leader of Kirklees Council, Councillor Carole Pattison, said: "This award could not have been achieved without the support of volunteers and museum Friends Groups who work tirelessly with Kirklees Museums and Galleries."

The accreditation adds to Kirklees Museums and Galleries' current status as a National Portfolio Organisation, as selected by Arts Council England.

It is hoped that funding opportunities, and the ability to host high-profile touring exhibitions, will result from the accreditation, which remains valid for five years.