Norwich Castle Museum, which has won an award for education.

The way history is brought to life for young visitors at two Norfolk museums has scooped the attractions prestigious awards.

Norwich Castle and Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse, near Dereham, have both been handed the Sandford Award for Heritage Education by judges.

The Sandford Award, which began in 1978 and is made annually, is an independently judged, quality assured assessment of education programmes at heritage sites, museums, archives and collections across the British Isles.

Judges carried out on-site inspections and assessed the museums’ learning programmes against a number of criteria.

At Norwich castle, two learning programmes ‘Storming the Castle’ and a specially designed Olympic session ‘Gold, Silver and Bronze’ were assessed, while at Gressenhall a judge looked at a Victorian Activity Day.

Katrina Siliprandi, head of learning at Norfolk Museums and Archaeology Service, said she was delighted the service’s education work was being recognised nationally.

“The awards for Gressenhall and Norwich Castle show we’re delivering learning opportunities for local schools which are on a par with the best in the country.

“A key ingredient in this success is our collaboration with teachers to ensure our offer meets the needs of children. We look forward to continuing to work with the sector in providing inspirational learning.”

Barry Stone, Norfolk County Council’s cabinet member for cultural services, said: “The announcement of these awards is fantastic news and are a testament to the hard work and enthusiasm of staff at the museums.

“The sites provide a wonderful service to children and adults alike.”

dan.grimmer@archant.co.uk