PRESTON Park Museum and Grounds has joined leading historic houses, museums and galleries in winning a national heritage award.

The hall and grounds has secured the Sandford Award for Heritage Education mark – joining previous winners including Hampton Court Palace, Brunel’s SS Great Britain and Edinburgh Castle.

Judges recognised Preston Park’s education offering, which includes workshops covering a wide variety of subjects including the history of the Anglo-Saxons and the experience of life in Victorian schools.

Councillor Norma Wilburn, Stockton Borough Council’s cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture, said: “The learning team at Preston Park are passionate about providing an excellent learning experience for schools and families, facilitated through the museum’s first class collections and it is all inspired by Stockton’s maritime, industrial and social history.”

For more information visit www.prestonparkmuseum.co.uk