THE work to gain accreditation for the Museum of Dartmoor Life will continue in earnest thanks to a hefty donation from Okehampton United Charity.

The museum received a cheque for £5,000 from the OUC on Monday December 3.

The money will be used to help create a forward plan for 2013 to 2016.

This plan, which has been informed by a survey asking residents and visitors what they think of the museum, is a key element in the museum's application for its Arts Council accreditation to be renewed.

The museum was accredited in 2008 and the new submission is due by the end of January. Currently there are just under 1,800 museums participating in the scheme. Established in 1988, the scheme supports museum across the country to focus on standards and identify areas for development.

Museum manager Andrew Thompson said: 'This is revenue funding, but not just to keep the lights on or keep the museum going.

'It will help us be able to spend the time we need to to create the forward plan for the museum. This is key to helping the museum gain the accreditation we need to show we meet national standards.

'It also will help us set up next year's programme of exhibitions and events for families.

'We are very grateful to the United Charity for this donation, as it really gives us a platform to plan for the future.'

The museum will be open on Edwardian Evening for youngsters to visit Father Christmas in his grotto, and entry to the museum is free from now until when it closes for the winter season on December 15.