ENVIRONMENTAL projects at a museum have earned it a national accolade.

Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum, in County Durham, has been accepted into the Green Business Tourism Scheme with a silver standard.

The award follows a site visit and assessment by Green Business UK, which is working with development agency One NorthEast to launch the scheme in the region.

Killhope was one of 40 businesses invited to pilot the project.

Environmental co-ordinator Helen Marritt said: "We believe that taking part in the scheme not only demonstrates our commitment to sound environmental policy and practice, but also gives us a competitive edge in the market place and the opportunity to establish links with other sustainable businesses in a green tourism network.

"We are committed to working towards achieving the gold standard and, over the winter, we will be developing a green communication with our guests."

The assessment report described Killhope as particularly strong in educational activities, especially with visiting school groups.

It also does well in relation to wildlife through establishing dedicated wildlife areas and offering information and education opportunties.