A HERITAGE centre has received a special award for its work to make the venue more user-friendly for blind and deaf people.

The Maeldune Heritage Centre, in Maldon High Street, is the first venue to be awarded a Sensory Access Charter Mark from ECL Sensory Service.

The centre is home to the 42ft Maldon Embroidery, along with local history displays, exhibitions, and the visitor information centre.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: The Maeldune Centre receives its charter markThe Maeldune Centre receives its charter mark (Image: Maldon District Council)

It also has the Maldon Society’s visual history touchscreen, which lets visitors explore more than 8,000 images, including photographs, pen and ink drawings and videos.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: The Maeldune Centre’s visual history touchscreenThe Maeldune Centre’s visual history touchscreen (Image: Maldon District Council)

The centre's team have worked closely with ECL Sensory Service to boost access to the centre and its materials for people with sight and hearing impairments.

Staff and volunteers were also given free expert training.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Sensory Access Charter Mark from ECL Sensory ServiceSensory Access Charter Mark from ECL Sensory Service (Image: Maldon District Council)

Centre manager Lynda O'Brien, said “It is really important to us to make the centre as accessible as possible to local people and visitors.

"ECL Sensory Service have been able to guide us on how small improvements can make a really big difference to our visitors.

"The Maeldune trustees and volunteers are very proud to achieve this Sensory Access Charter Mark.”

Maldon and Burnham Standard: The Maeldune Cente celebrates its new Sensory Access Charter Mark from ECL Sensory ServiceThe Maeldune Cente celebrates its new Sensory Access Charter Mark from ECL Sensory Service (Image: Maldon District Council)

ECL Sensory Service boss Faye Harburt said: “The Maeldune Heritage Centre is an amazing building and great venue for residents and visitors.

"Supporting them to improve their visitor offer has been a privilege.

"The council’s commitment to providing a better quality of life for residents is fantastic, and we are pleased to be working with them to support more businesses in the area.”

Maldon and Burnham Standard: A new assistance buzzer has been installed at the Maeldune CentreA new assistance buzzer has been installed at the Maeldune Centre (Image: Maldon District Council)

More than 13 million people in the UK have a sensory impairment.

Maldon District Council and ECL now plan to create the UK's first town guide for people with sensory impairments, containing hospitality businesses, attractions, and venues in the district that are user-friendly.

Businesses wanting to be part of the initiative can contact tourism@maldon.gov.uk.