THE Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings has been chosen as Worcestershire's family attraction of the year.

The announcement, by the editors of the Good Britain Guide 2004, follows hot on the heels of other recent good news for the Bromsgrove venue.

This includes being named winner of a record-breaking fourth Sandford Award for heritage education, and receiving Quality Assured Visitor status from the English Tourism Council.

In announcing the latest award, the editors of the Good Britain Guide wrote: "A recent reader's note neatly sums up the appeal of this enjoyable place: 'Relxaxing, peaceful, informative, friendly and good cakes'."

The editor's note then goes on to say: "It is a very atmospheric spot with an almost palpable feel of the past.

"The staff are particularly helpful and enthusiastic, and children get far more out of it than you might expect."

Museum director, Simon Penn, was delighted with the announcement.

"This news is a wonderful acknowledgement - if any were needed - of what makes Avoncroft so special," he said.

"It reflects the commitment, energy and sheer hard work of everyone involved with the place."

The museum is to officially celebrate the award on Monday, by holding a party in a rare 18th Century three-seater toilet!

The toilet is one of more than 25 historic buildings rescued and re-erected on the museum's open-air site in Stoke Heath.

For more information call 01527 831886.