WORCESTER'S £60 million Hive has scooped yet another national award for its eye-catching design.

The gold-cladded venue, which has become one of Britain's most popular libraries since opening four-and-half years ago, has triumphed in the Library Design Awards 2016.

A panel of experts from the Society of College, National and University Libraries decided it was the best development of over 2,000 square metres floorspace.

The society, which represents learning institutions across the UK and Ireland, handed out the gong on the basis of the library's functionality as well as its appearance.

Professor David Green, the university's vice-chancellor, said: "The Hive has proved a wonderful success over the past four-and-a-half years.

"It is beautiful and inspirational, serves the whole community and inspires the next generation into reading.

"All the many people who work at the Hive are to be commended for winning this very major award in competition with Britain’s top libraries.

"The Hive is simply one of the country’s very best libraries - it is also arguably the best library in Europe to be opened in the 21st century."

Worcester MP Robin Walker said: "It is absolutely right that The Hive is an iconic part of Worcester’s skyline, and it is also of huge educational and social value."

Cllr Simon Geraghty, Worcestershire County Council's leader, added: "We are delighted The Hive has been recognised with this award.

"It has transformed library services for both Worcester and our ever growing university."

The Hive, Britain’s first joint university and public library, was officially opened by the Queen in 2012.

The famous facility houses more than 250,000 books, 12 miles of archive collections as stages a host of events including lectures, exhibitions and performances.

Since opening it has now scooped no fewer than 26 awards, including for its design, its environmental impact and for how it helps children learn.

Liz Waller, from the University of York who chaired the panel which dished out the award, said: "It's an exciting and innovative development on a number of levels."