AN ART gallery has been shortlisted for a prestigious national honour.

Eastbourne’s Towner Gallery is in the running for the Family Friendly Museum Award - the only such contest where children and families pick the winners.

It is organised by the national charity Kids In Museums, which is dedicated to making museums and galleries welcoming to all visitors.

Towner’s Executive Director Emma Morris said: "Creating a welcoming space for visitors and engaging with new audiences of all ages and backgrounds has always been at the heart of what we do at Towner.

"Since moving into our new building six years ago we have continued to build on the success of our children, families and early years programme.

"We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the Family Friendly Museum Award and see it as a real acknowledgement of our commitment to investing in the artists and audiences of the future.”

The shortlist is decided by a judging panel based on nominations from the gallery’s family visitors.

Volunteer Emily Beckwith, 22, who was on the panel, was impressed by the gallery’s offer for hard to reach groups.

She said: "Towner often work in partnership to provide projects for those who may not usually visit museums."

For the next stage of the award process, Towner’s offer for families and children, and those of their nine fellow nominees will be evaluated by a group of undercover family judges.

Dea Birkett, Creative Director of Kids in Museums who run the Award, said: "It’s great to see the Towner Art Gallery on the shortlist and so praised and supported by families and children.

"It’s a very special place that offers a very special welcome to everyone and is committed to putting young people and families at its heart and encouraging new visitors. "

The winner will be announced at an award ceremony at the Wallace Collection, London on Monday, October 17.