The Downpatrick Railway Museum has earned itself a coveted 'Highly Commended' accolade in the 1999 Northern Ireland Tourist Board and British Airways Tourism Awards.

The awards, introduced in 1978, celebrate outstanding contributions made across all sectors of the tourism industry. This year's awards ceremony was made in Belfast's Waterfront Hall and was accepted by the railway's newly appointed General Manager, Edwin Gray.

Railway Museum Publicity Officer Robert Gardiner said that he was "ecstatic" when he heard the news of the award. "I knew that when we were nominated in the 'Best Project' section of the awards we were facing some very stiff competition from across Northern Ireland." He continued, "I think that this award is a tremendous recognition by some of the leading people in the tourism industry of the vast amount of work that has been put in by our volunteers over the years in transforming what was virtually a wasteground into one the top tourist attractions in Down District."

Upon hearing news that other attractions in the area (the Dufferin Arms, Killyleagh and the Narrows Hotel, Portaferry) were equally successful in their categories at the awards, Robert had this to say, "I think that in itself shows that Down is taking the lead within the tourism field in Northern Ireland, and my heartiest congratulations to the Dufferin Arms and the Narrows Hotel."

The award comes just days before the Railway Museum's visit from Santa (Saturday 11th, Sunday 12th and Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th), Robert jokes "What better present could we have expected Santa Claus to bring with him?"

Pictured with the award (right) are Brian Torrens(Guard/Fireman), Robert Gardiner (Publicity Officer), Edwin Gray (General Manager), Andy Cook (Driver) and Barney Graham (Station Foreman/Guard).

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