The Welsh Government has highlighted the work of the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre as it launches the consultation for the draft priorities for culture.

The independent museum, housed in the Royal Dockyard Chapel, achieved the UK Museum Accreditation Standard in July 2023.

This standard, managed in Wales by the Welsh Government, helps museums ensure future sustainability and safeguard their collections.

The centre's unique collection chronicles the 200-year history of Pembroke Dock and its renowned Royal Dockyard.

A permanent exhibition celebrates the construction of the Millennium Falcon for Star Wars in Pembroke Dock.

This exhibition traces the spaceship's journey from initial designs to the logistics of transporting the completed vessel across the country.

The centre also features a full-size replica cockpit of a Short Sunderland flying boat, the most famous aircraft at the former RAF Pembroke Dock.

The Welsh Government's draft Priorities for Culture, which is currently open for consultation, focuses on the role of small, independent museums in preserving heritage and telling community stories.

One of the stories told in the centre is that of the creation of the Millennium FalconOne of the stories told in the centre is that of the creation of the Millennium Falcon (Image: Welsh Government)

It also acknowledges the significant contribution of volunteers in the culture sector.

Welsh Government cabinet secretary for culture, Jane Hutt, said: "Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre plays a key role in telling the many interesting stories of its community.

"It is clear volunteers and trustees are passionate about the area’s history and committed to ensuring its story is told.

"The Museum Accreditation Standard is important in supporting museums to ensure they can thrive into the future and the centre is deserving of being awarded it."

Trust chairman, Graham Clarkson, said: "As a volunteer led and run museum, we are delighted that we are now recognised at the same level as Wales’ larger and professionally staffed museums.

"The project included building new secure artefact storage, implementing new procedures to ensure the collection is properly monitored and displayed and the writing of many new policies to cover all aspects of running a 21st century museum."

The Welsh Government is currently consulting on its Priorities for Culture in Wales to set the direction for the sector now and in the future.

Ms Hutt encourages everyone with an interest to provide their views on the vision by the consultation closing date of September 4.

To view the consultation and provide your input, visit the Welsh Government's website.