THE home of Charles Darwin is to receive an award for educational excellence.

Down House will be presented with the Sandford Award for Heritage Education in recognition of the centre’s Discovery Visits programme for school pupils, which is run by English Heritage.

As part of the programme, youngsters get the chance to learn what Darwin was like as a person and explore the gardens which inspired his scientific research at his house in Luxted Road, Downe.

Education director for English Heritage Sandra Stancliffe said: “Everyone involved in creating and delivering the Discovery Visit programme at Down House has worked hard to bring history to life in the most engaging, interactive ways possible.”