THE museum that tells the story of Coniston's industrial heritage and its "heroes" - from John Ruskin to Arthur Ransome and Donald Campbell - has secured the British "gold standard" for museums, say staff.

The continuation of the Ruskin Museum's full accreditation status has been confirmed following its recent Arts Council England accreditation review.

The attraction's team and trustees said they were "overjoyed" to receive the news.

"We have now joined an illustrious group alongside Tullie House, Lakeland Arts Trust, the British Museum and the V & A," said Mary Ann Lancaster, who became joint curator with museum director Vicky Slowe in 2018.