Oliver Cromwell’s House in Ely has received a major new award from a leading tourism board.

Visit England has awarded the St Mary’s Street venue its ‘Hidden Gem’ accolade.

The house is only one of two attractions in the eastern region to receive the honour in this year’s round of awards.

Inspectors noted the efforts which had been made to improve the visitor attraction since last year from new signage to displays and initiatives to improve the customer experience.

This new award from Visit England acknowledges smaller attractions throughout the country and helps to raise their profile.

Councillor Richard Hobbs, chairman of commercial services committee at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Oliver Cromwell House is a wonderful place to visit and fully deserves to be awarded the Visit England’s ‘Hidden Gem’ accolade. “The house acts as a magnet – along with our illustrious cathedral – drawing people from far a field to Ely and East Cambridgeshire. The value of this to our economy is huge, running into the millions of pounds as tourism attractions and our wonderful events continue to see their visitor numbers increase.

“This accolade confirms to me how important tourism is to East Cambridgeshire and I am sure it will be a continued drive our district’s reputation even higher.”

For more information on Oliver Cromwell House call 01353 662062 or www.visitely.org.uk