A Pembrokeshire museum’s appeal to its younger visitors has put it in the running for a top national accolade.

Tenby Museum and Art Gallery is one of just 20 establishments that have been chosen from 800 nominations for the Telegraph Family Friendly Museum Award.

The honour given by the national newspaper is Britain’s biggest museum award, and Tenby is one of only three in Wales to feature in the ‘longlist’.

Dressing up as pirates, handling replica whale sick and skulls; quizzes, games, being photographed in wooden stocks and a welcome from cheery, fun-loving staff are just a few of the enticements to children to visit the Castle Hill museum.

Admission is free for all kids to the attraction, which also encourages schools exhibitions and pupil involvement.

Visitor comments have included: ‘As adults, we enjoyed doing the stuff for children - all very well thought out.’ ‘really nice welcoming touches for children’, ‘well worth a visit with the family’ and ‘great collection and even the loo is fab!’

Said the museum’s collections manager, Mark Lewis: “We are all obviously delighted to have got this far in such a noteworthy competition.

“The museum has worked hard over the past few years to provide more educational and entertaining displays and facilities for children and families and have more planned for the near future.

“It is extremely satisfying to know that families enjoy their visit and take the museum away as a happy memory from their visit to the town.”

A panel of experts will now draw up a shortlist from the 20 museums and these will be road-tested anonymously by families before the awards are announced next month.