Champagne corks were popping today at one of York's top visitor attractions after it was voted the number one museum in Europe.

The National Railway Museum beat off competition from rivals in more than 20 other countries to win the coveted 2001 European Museum of the Year award at a ceremony in Pisa, Italy.

The museum is only the fourth British institution to win the European title in the 24-year history of the competition.

This year celebrating its 25th anniversary, the museum was nominated for the award following the opening of its £4 million extension, The Works, which added three new galleries, each taking a behind-the-scenes look at the story of the train.

Andrew Scott, head of museum, said: "We are absolutely delighted and truly honoured. What better way could there be to celebrate our silver jubilee than to be named European Museum of the Year?

"This award is a tribute to the dedication and hard work of our staff and volunteers who not only strive to find new ways to educate and inspire visitors, but also strive to achieve the highest possible standards in customer care."

He added: "In recent years, our visitor numbers have bucked the trend for most museums and risen steadily year on year.

"We must now look for new ways to grow and to develop if we are to continue to offer a vibrant and exciting attraction and retain our position as the best museum in Europe."

In naming the National Railway Museum 2001 European Museum of the Year, the judges commented: "Transport museums are relatively slow to adapt their exhibition methods to the demands of today's public.

"The museum has done an excellent job in showing visitors of all ages its workshop and restoration skills and in humanising the previously technical atmosphere by putting a large number of objects on show in open storage.

"With its interactive displays, numerous activities and very high standard of visitor care, backed up by professional marketing, the National Railway Museum is now full of ideas which can be taken up in part by transport museums of any size."

Updated: 09:29 Monday, May 21, 2001