A MUSEUM worker who has made a real difference to visitors with dementia has been announced as the 2018 Durham Tourism Superstar by Visit County Durham.

Project officer Emily Hope, a member of the entrance development team at Beamish Museum, The Living Museum of the North, near Stanley, County Durham, was chosen in a public vote, supported by The Northern Echo.

The result was announced as part of Visit County Durham’s annual summer garden party celebrations at Beamish Hall Hotel.

Emily is responsible for making sure that the 764,000 annual visitors enjoy an “exceptional experience”.

The Tourism Superstar winner also volunteers as an Alzheimer’s Society champion, training more than 100 staff, volunteers and members of the community to become Dementia Friends, making a difference to visitors living with dementia.

Emily said: “I’m incredibly honoured and genuinely humbled to be crowned Durham Tourism Superstar.

“There’s nothing I love more than putting on my costume and I take great satisfaction in being able to share my knowledge to enhance visitors’ experience.”

Ivor Stolliday, chairman of Visit County Durham, said: “The competition is a wonderful way to recognise those individuals working tirelessly in the tourism industry.

“All of the finalists are incredible and each act as ambassadors for our county, we should all be extremely proud of them. It’s a privilege to crown Emily as Durham’s Tourism Superstar 2018.”

Michelle Gorman, managing director of Visit County Durham, said: “We congratulate Emily on winning this award.

“Emily embodies the shining star qualities that make her a worthy winner of Durham Tourism Superstar and truly enhances the visitor experience. It’s people like Emily who really make Durham shine."

Emily is the latest member of the Beamish visitor experience team to be recognised for her outstanding contributions to customer service.

She follows in the footsteps of colleague Matthew Henderson, who won both Durham Tourism Superstar and VisitEngland Tourism Superstar awards in 2015 and will now be nominated for the national Tourism Superstar 2019 shortlist.

Last year’s winner, Richard Darlington, of Hall Hill Farm, made it to the national Tourism Superstar 2018 finals.