Museum officials in Norfolk have been successful in their bid to secure up to �1.4m of funding each year for the next three years.

The Arts Council has revealed today the Norfolk Museums and Archaeology Service is one of 16 successful applicants for cash from the Renaissance programme.

The service is responsible for 10 museums including sites in Norwich, Great Yarmouth, Thetford, King's Lynn and Cromer.

The Norfolk service submitted a bid for �1.4m, although negotiations on the exact amount are yet to be finalised with an announcement due in April.

Vanessa Trevelyan, head of museums and archaeology service, said the money will be used across the entire county, including helping to develop better exhibitions and give interns a chance to gain experience in museums.

She said: 'We are very pleased with the Arts Council announcement. It's funding for three years and about the same amount each year, which is very encouraging. It means we can plan properly and put in place programmes that can take time to mature and deliver, which is really helpful.'

Up to �20m a year will be made available in the next three years to all the museums involved in the Arts Council project.

Helen Lax, Arts Council England regional director in the East, said, 'We are extremely fortunate in the East to boast two exceptional organisations as part of the Arts Council's funded major partner museums, as announced today.

'Both University of Cambridge Museums and Norfolk Museums and Archaeology Service are to receive funding that will ensure a robust and stimulating cultural offer for the region. Both organisations have compelling plans for the future, cementing their reputations as sector leaders in the region and beyond.'