Museum strikes gold in jubilee year

The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, was presented with the marketing in tourism trophy at London's Royal Opera House in Covent Garden.

It was presented by the English Tourism Council (ETC) at the Safeway Excellence in England gold awards ceremony.

Martin Westwood, Beaulieu's general manager, said: "Last year we completely revitalised our marketing campaign and improved our product by staging a James Bond exhibition.

"We're very pleased to have won a gold award in our golden jubilee year."

The accolade came almost 50 years to the day since Lord Montagu of Beaulieu first opened his ancestral home, Palace House, to the public.

He placed five veteran cars in the hallway as a tribute to his father John, a pioneering motorist who once took the future King Edward VII for a spin.

Within days of opening, Beaulieu had rocketed to third place in the country's stately homes league table.

A new building housing the Montagu Motor Museum was opened by Lord Brabazon in 1959 and the current complex was completed in 1972.

Last year Hampshire tourist attractions were hit by the national foot-and-mouth crisis.

A display of cars from the James Bond films helped the National Motor Museum to achieve its best Easter for five years.

One of the main presenters at the awards ceremony was broadcaster Sue Lawley, who referred to problems caused by the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

She said: "I'm delighted to be involved with these awards, especially in a critical year for the rebuilding of English tourism.

"As a judge I can verify that the competition was strong and I congratulate all the finalists, who have travelled from all over England to be here today."

Joint runner-up in the Tourist Information Centre of the Year category was the TIC in Fish Row, Salisbury.

The Queen received a special Golden Jubilee award for supporting English tourism during her 50-year reign.

The Duke of York received the award on behalf of his mother.