A MUSEUM that gives visitors the warmest of welcomes has been named the friendliest place in the country for a family day out.

Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum, in Upper Weardale, County Durham, came top in The Guardian newspaper's Family Friendly Museum Award.

The centre, which is 1,500ft up in the North Pennines, beat other finalists Falmouth Art Gallery, in Cornwall, the Museum of Farnham, Surrey, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter, and the Victoria and Albert Museum, in London.

Guardian writer and judge Dea Birkett said: "Killhope is a museum with a welcoming attitude towards everyone of any age."

Travel editor Andy Pietrasik said: "Killhope is a small museum in a remote location, but it is committed to making its story available for everyone in a stimulating yet accessible way."

Judges also praised the museum's "exemplary training programme for staff", which encouraged them to approach and welcome children.

Killhope won a £15,000 interactive computer exhibit, a plaque and a digital camera.

Published: 07/02/2004