NEWCASTLE and Gateshead have been ranked top English city-break destination in the latest UK-wide survey of the best places to visit.

Newcastle and Gateshead have once again claimed its place as the nation's favourite English city-break destination in the The Guardian/Observer Travel Awards.

For the third consecutive year, Newcastle and Gateshead are ranked third in the Favourite UK City category of the 2004 awards -Edinburgh and Glasgow achieved first and second place.

Seaham Hall Hotel and Serenity Spa, 20 minutes from Gateshead, also tops Best Spa Break -a new category for 2004.

Neil Rami, chief executive of the Newcastle/Gateshead Initiative, said: "This survey demonstrates that Newcastle/Gateshead is maintaining its popularity with visitors, consistently coming out as the people's choice.

"Acclaim from people who have directly experienced Newcastle/Gateshead as visitors is a tremendous boost as we move forward with new campaigns to market the city as a world-class city break destination."

Jocelyn Maxfield, of Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa said: "As the region's leading hotel and spa, we are delighted to have been named Best Spa Break and to have helped Newcastle/Gateshead achieve this tremendous accolade.

"Since we opened Seaham Hall, we have picked up a steady stream of awards, proving that the North-East is way ahead in terms of service and style.