ELY’S Oliver Cromwell House has been voted the region’s best tourist information centre for the second year in a row.

ELY’S Oliver Cromwell House has been voted the region’s best tourist information centre for the second year in a row.

The centre and its staff beat off fierce competition to take the award and could progress to the national finals which are taking place in Birmingham next April.

Tracey Harding, head of tourism at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “To have won the award once was great but to win it again this year was unbelievable. It is a credit to all the staff.

“We will be up against some real big players before we get to the national final. It will be tough but we have taken on board the comments from the judges so, hopefully, we can continue to improve.”

Ms Harding said it was the centre’s local produce, gifts and community involvement that had impressed the judges and helped them scoop the regional award.

For the centre to be sure of qualification for the national awards they will have to go through another round of visits and assessments from mystery visitors, who will test them on their responses to difficult requests made in person, over the phone and via e-mail.

They could find themselves up against tourist information centres from big cities like Nottingham and Liverpool in the national final.

Councillor Peter Cresswell, chairman of the community services committee at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “It was a great pleasure to attend the awards ceremony and it was a proud moment when the result was announced.

“To win an award one year is impressive but I always believe the ability to retain the prize is a true sign of class. So it came as no surprise to me that the team at the Oliver Cromwell House had won the best tourist information centre award in the East of England again.

“Anyone who has ever been to the centre knows how helpful and friendly the staff are. They always go out of their way to give the best and most helpful advice possible. I am delighted for everyone concerned – the Council has every reason to be very proud of their achievement.”

For more information on Oliver Cromwell’s House call 01352 662062 or www.visitely.org.uk