STAFF at a popular tourist attraction are celebrating after they were given an award for the quality of their service.

Raby Castle, at Staindrop, County Durham, has been given a Quality Assurance Service award by the English Tourism Council.

The castle, the home of Lord Barnard, was visited by a mystery visitor last season.

He tried all the attractions at the castle and made an assessment on the services. They included phone inquiries, food and retailing.

The castle had nearly 30,000 visitors last year. Curator Clare Simpson said: "We are very pleased and proud to receive the award, which is a credit to the efficiency and knowledge of the people involved in presenting the castle to the public."

Marketing supervisor Catherine Turnbull said: "To get this award, we had to look at the castle from a very critical point of view and make the necessary changes.

"Most of the things in the report were praised. There were a few recommendations where we could make some minor improvements, and we have already begun to make these alterations."