A VISITOR attraction in the town has been recognised for its welcoming atmosphere and quality customer service.

The Head of Steam - Darlington Railway Museum has been revealed to among the winners of VisitEngland’s 2018 Attractions Accolades.

The museum is one of only 76 attractions across the country to have been awarded the accolade, based on the score they obtained in their Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme Assessment.

Leona White-Hannant, manager curator at the museum, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be among the VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Accolade winners.

“It’s great that our score from the VisitEngland assessors had improved and we were enormously proud that our staff’s efforts and enthusiasm were recognised with a nomination for the ‘Welcome’ accolade, to have now been chosen among the winners is just fantastic news.”

VisitEngland’s Attractions Accolades, now in their fifth year, can be attained by members of the VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme in categories including the Welcome Accolade, Hidden Gem, Best Told Story, Quality Food and Drink and the Gold Accolade for all-round top-scoring attractions.

The museum passed its latest VisitEngland accreditation in the Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme enabling it to continue to display the Quality Rose Marque and was then nominated for the ‘Welcome’ Accolade.

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “England is home to world-class attractions right across the country, welcoming visitors throughout the year and offering experiences of the highest quality including excellent food and drink and outstanding customer service. It is also really fantastic to see these accolades recognising the work of those employees, managers and owners who make sure that all who pass through their doors have a truly memorable experience.”

Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet member for leisure and the local environment, added: “The museum is an important piece of Darlington’s ingenious history and a wonderful reminder of our unique position as the birthplace of the passenger railway.”

For more information call 01325-405060 alternatively visit the website at www.head-of-steam.co.uk