VISITORS are given a five-star service at an award-winning museum, which has become the first in County Durham to be recognised by a new national scheme.

The Killhope North of England Lead Mining Museum, in Weardale, became a Quality Assured Visitor Attraction this week under a new English Tourism Council programme.

The museum was assessed by a "mystery visitor", sent by the ETC to report on every detail of the Killhope experience including its leaflets, website, the welcome on arrival, the attraction itself, layout, toilets, catering and gift shop.

Killhope manager Ian Forbes said: "The mine trip led by Denise Fisher was a highlight of the assessor's visit.

"He said it was 'excellently led' with the talk 'enlivened by anecdotes and enhanced with the use of miners' lights and candles'.

"He was particularly impressed by the interpretative guides, their depth of knowledge and the friendly way in which they actively approach visitors.

"He has since used Killhope guides as an example of good practice on other assessments."

The award was presented by the chairman of the Northumbria Tourist Board Councillor Bob Pendlebury.

Killhope is open at weekends, from 10.30am to 5pm, until the end of October and throughout school half term week from October 22 to 28. Telephone (01388) 537505 for further information.