KIDDERMINSTER'S Museum of Carpet has been given the "perfect" tenth birthday present by becoming a fully accredited museum. 

Administered by Arts Council England on behalf of the UK Accreditation Partnership, accreditation is the benchmark for well-run museums and galleries. 

It means that the Museum of Carpet is properly managed and governed to the nationally agreed industry standard and shows the museum takes proper care of its collections, sharing them with visitors and keeping them safe for future generations. 

Accreditation opens up funding opportunities, allows museums to host touring exhibitions and gives access to professional advice and support.

It also provides confidence to donors and sponsors who may wish to support the museum in preserving heritage and inspiring future generations.

Sue Hetherington, manager at the Museum of Carpet said: “We are thrilled to achieve full Accredited Museum status. 

"The volunteers, staff and trustees have worked extremely hard to ensure the success of our application and I want to thank everyone who has been involved. This year, the Museum of Carpet celebrates its 10th birthday, and becoming an Accredited Museum is the perfect gift.”

Liz Johnson, director of museums and cultural property at Arts Council England said: "We’re delighted that the Museum of Carpet has been successful in gaining their Accreditation status. 

"This means that 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.”

The accreditation covers museums of all types and sizes - from the smallest volunteer-run museums to national museums – and more than 1,700 museums are currently taking part in the scheme across the UK.

As the UK’s only museum dedicated to celebrating the heritage, art and industry of carpet making, the museum shares the unique story of Kidderminster, once known as the ‘Carpet Capital of the World’.