THE HONOUR of becoming Museum of the Year 2004 could be bestowed on a trailblazing Runcorn museum.

Norton Priory is in the final of UK's largest arts accolade, the Gulbenkian Prize.

Director Steve Miller, said: "We are thrilled to be in the final four of this prestigious and exciting award for our special relationship with Astmoor Day Services.

"I hope that it sends out a message to other organisations that with a little ingenuity, enthusiasm and creativity, museums can be places where long term community engagement can result in a stunning visitor attraction."

Norton Priory polled the highest number of comments in support on the Gulbenkian website - beating London's National Gallery and the National Trust. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Front Row, Loyd Grossman, chair of the Gulbenkian judges, said the way adults with learning difficulties helped staff recreate a medieval herb garden as "innovative and inspirational".