VISITORS have helped Warrington Museum clinch a top tourist attraction award by an international online travel guide.

The museum and art gallery was named a top performing attraction being reviewed by travellers on TripAdvisor.

And due to its popularity on the website the centre has received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award.

The accolade, which honours hospitality excellence, is handed only to establishments which consistently get outstanding traveller reviews with five stars on their website.

Only the top-performing 10 per cent of businesses listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award.

Janice Hayes, principal museum manager said: “Warrington Museum & Art Gallery is delighted to receive the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.

“This is a great endorsement by our visitors and we’d like to thank them for helping us win this award. The feedback we have received from them is very encouraging. The museum is going from strength to strength and we’re looking forward to launching our new Cabinet of Curiosities gallery in early 2014.”

To qualify for a certificate of excellence, venues must maintain an overall rating at least four out of a possible five, as reviewed by travellers on TripAdvisor.

They must also have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months and reached a certain volume of reviews in the last 12 months.

One of the reviews, from touristgirl23, said: “Very well presented displays and described the history of the area very well. Showing that a lot of thought and preparation had gone into the Museum by the staff and volunteers.”

While other reviewers called the centre unique and charming with more praise for the staff.

The museum has also been recognised as the best performing venue at the annual Museum & Heritage Awards.

In the award’s 10 year history Warrington Museum & Art Gallery holds the record for highest number of nominations and outright wins, including its award in 2009 for best project on a limited budget.