A MUSEUM has been named one of the country's top quality visitor attractions.

Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum in Weardale, County Durham, has comfortably retained its English Tourism Council Quality Assured Visitor Attraction status.

The museum, run by Durham County Council, was the first to receive the title last year when the scheme was launched.

Described as "a very well- operated attraction" by assessors, the museum is said to encourage staff to welcome and inform visitors about the lead mining heritage of the dale.

The assessor's report says the family history tour, mine tour, shop and woodland walk maximise the experience for visitors and a very high calibre staff and facilities provide a quality of visitor experience heading toward excellence.

Museum manager Ian Forbes said: "Everyone works hard to give visitors a great day out at Killhope and it's very satisfying when an outside body recognises and praises your effort."