TO be named European Museum of the Year is a fantastic achievement. Staff at the National Railway Museum have every right to celebrate.

This award means so much, particularly at a time when York tourism is recovering from floods and foot and mouth. And it is an important recognition, in the light of failures at the Doncaster Earth Centre and the Sheffield pop centre, that a major museum can succeed in the North of England if it is run well.

The museum hopes to scrap admission charges later this year. Then even more people will be able to enjoy the best in Europe.

Updated: 10:42 Monday, May 21, 2001