By Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

The Potteries Museum Art Gallery has been long-listed for a national award for its family friendly environment.

The museum is one of 20 to make the list of the Telegraph Family Friendly Museum Award 2012 following nominations from visitors. In 2010 and 2011 the Potteries Museum made it to the final six museums to be short listed for the award.

A distinguished panel of judges chaired by Jenny Abramsky, Chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund, will now work through the list to create a final short list in April, before a winner is announced.

This shortlist will then be tested by family visitors, unannounced to the museums. These families will decide on a winner, using the Kids in Museums Manifesto as a guide. The winner will be announced in May 2012. The Telegraph Family Friendly Museum Award is the only museum award to be judged by families.

Councillor Mark Meredith, cabinet member for economic development, said: “The Potteries Museum Art Gallery deserves the recognition for its exceptional work to engage with children and their families. The museum has hosted a large number of events which demonstrate just how family friendly they are. To be nominated for a national award of this calibre is a testament to those staff that provide this service.”

Kids in Museums aims to encourage and guide museums and galleries across the country to make family visits engaging and enjoyable.

Residents wishing to be considered as a judging family for the awards should email award@kidsinmuseums.org.uk. For more information on the awards visit www.kidsinmuseums.org.uk.