The quality work carried out by Helston Museum has been officially recognised with an accreditation from the Arts Council.

Similar to an Ofsted inspection in schools, the museum had to prove everything was in order behind the scenes and show good working practices.

The national standard is set by the Museum Association and the Arts Council.

It means that the museum can apply for different grants and other museums can lend items from their collections safe in the knowledge that they will be treated properly.

Katherine is currently in the process of applying for a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, to help cover the cost of digitalising the museum’s photographic collection, making it easier for the public to search through.

Longer-term plans are in the pipeline for refurbishing the building in the future.

Katherine paid tribute to the work of the museum’s trustees and volunteers, not only for their efforts but also for putting up with her being shut in the office for six months completing the paperwork.

She said: “It’s quite a big undertaking and quite an achievement. It’s quite a big deal for us.

“We’re very proud of what the trustees and volunteers have done and it’s great that we have got a good little team coming together now.

“We’re really looking forward to the future and the summer season. We’re hoping we’ll get a lot of visitors through the door.”