A COUNTRY park has started the school summer holidays by winning further recognition of the quality of its facilities.

Summerhill, a 100-acre site developed in Hartlepool for sport, outdoor pursuits and conservation, has retained its Quality Assurance Visitor Attraction status for this year, after being accredited for the first time last year.

This allows it to display the Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Service's distinctive badge, featuring a red rose on a blue background.

Summerhill manager Tony Davison said: "I am delighted that we have retained our status, and the achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of all staff who work here.

"The accreditation process involved a fairly rigorous mystery shopper-style inspection of all aspects of the service we provide.

"The quality of our facilities, including the standard of our toilets, was checked, along with the activities we stage and the warmth of the welcome given to visitors.

"The process also included a debriefing, which involved the inspectors telling us what they felt we did well and what we didn't do so well.

"We have an ongoing commitment to provide the highest possible standards of customer service, and the feedback we received from the inspectors has proved invaluable."

The opening hours of the visitor centre at Summerhill have been extended for the summer, until 8pm every day.

The centre, which usually shuts at 5pm, will operate the longer hours until September 4. The car park will be open until 7.30pm.

Further information about events and activities at Summerhill is available by calling (01429) 284584.