VISITORS to Winchester are in excellent hands should they seek advice on their stay.

The Winchester Tourist Information Centre has scooped Gold at national awards.

It took top spot in the national Tourist Information Service of the Year category at the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence. The same award was won in 2006.

Organised by VisitEngland, the annual awards recognise outstanding commitment to customer service and high standards.

The judges noted the culture of innovation that drives customer service improvement at Winchester TIC on The Broadway.

The sheer volume of initiatives undertaken to welcome visitors and the high quality of the TIC’s responses to various mystery shopping challenges helped seal the win.

Sarah Harfield, YIC team leader, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won the gold award when the competition was so tough. It’s a huge achievement and is a fitting reward for the commitment and enthusiasm shown by our excellent team who often go beyond the call of duty in responding to customers’ enquiries.

“At a time of so much change in the tourism industry it is great to have this national recognition for Winchester’s efforts to enhance our visitors’ experience.”

The team went through to the national awards after winning the regional awards last October. The award was presented by broadcaster Sandi Toksvig at the Great Hall in Birmingham last Friday (April 15) and was shared with Morecambe TIC.