A COUNTY’S tourism superstar is appealing for the public’s help in winning a national award.

Matthew Henderson was named the inaugural County Durham Tourism Superstar last summer and has since made the ten-strong shortlist for the Visit England Tourism Superstar 2014 prize.

The winner is decided by a public vote and Mr Hendson is appealing for the North-East’s backing.

The engagement and participation team assistant at Beamish Museum said: “It would be lovely to win, to be able to thank all the team at Beamish for everything they’ve done for me – and all the visitors.

“It would be nice to bring it back to Durham and the North-East too.”

Mr Henderson, from Witton-le-Wear, near Bishop Auckland, started at Beamish three years ago on a six-week college placement, before securing an apprenticeship and finally a permanent position.

Beamish director Richard Evans said: “Matthew is a tourism superstar in everything he does and it’s fantastic to see his efforts recognised.

“It will be a huge honour for Matthew, Beamish and the whole region if he wins. Please vote for Matthew.”

Voting closes on Saturday, February 28, and the winner will be announced in March. Visit vote4matthew.com