THE North of England Lead Mining Museum in Killhope, County Durham, has been shortlisted for a national award.

The museum, in Weardale, is one of five in the country nominated for the Guardian's Family Friendly Museum Award 2003. The others are Falmouth Art Gallery, Cornwall; Museum of Farnham, Surrey; The Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter; and the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

There were 300 nominations for the award and judges have said that they were impressed by the passion and enthusiasm that readers had expressed for their favourite museums.

Judge Andy Pietrasik, travel editor of the Guardian, said: "Narrowing the field was difficult, but we selected these five because in their own way each one is committed to offering a truly family-friendly experience."

The winner will be announced in early February and will receive a touchscreen computer produced by Redman Design, which specialises in hands-on activities for children in museums.

Mr Pietrasik said: "Killhope has an exemplary training programme for staff, which specifically encourages them to approach and welcome children."

Published: 03/11/2003