A POPULAR museum based in the region scooped a double success at the White Rose Awards for Tourism 2009.

The National Railway Museum, in York, won two of the prestigious awards known as the Oscars of Yorkshire’s tourism industry.

The tourist attraction picked up visitor attraction of the year for 50,000 visitors and over for the fifth time in the awards’ history.

The museum attracted over 770,000 visitors during the financial year 2008-09 and it has added new features over the period.

While The Railway Children show by Yorkshire Theatre Royal at the centre won the best tourism experience of the year section.

Emma Farley, marketing and PR manager, for the museum, said: "Winning a White Rose Award is an honour but to win two is amazing.

"This is a huge achievement for the National Railway Museum and something that we are really proud of.

"We are delighted that our commitment to customer satisfaction and enjoyment has been acknowledged at these prestigious awards.

"We would like to thank all of the staff and volunteers at the museum for their contribution to our overwhelming success."

Barbara Woroncow, chairwoman of the judges, said: "White Rose Award winners are proof of the excellence that exists in our region.

"Their commitment to raising standards of service and levels of expectation has resulted in Yorkshire’s continuing and rising success as a destination."

The other North Yorkshire winners were: Caravan Holiday Park and Holiday Village Award - Lebberston Touring Park, Lebberston, Scarborough. Guest Accommodation of the Year - Cundall Lodge Farm, Cundall, York. Hotel of the Year (under 50 bedrooms) - Swinton Park, Swinton, Masham. Sustainable Tourism Award - Crown Spa Hotel, Scarborough. Taste of Yorkshire Award - Green’s Restaurant, Whitby. Tourism Event of the Year - York Museums Trust and Visitor Attraction of the Year (under 50,000 visitors) - Ripley Castle, Ripley.