THE team at Slimbridge Wetland Centre is celebrating after winning a top tourism award.

WWT triumphed at the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards, with a gold for the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year and silver for Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award.

On December 1, more than 50 finalists from tourism businesses across Bristol, Bath, Somerset and the wider region attended a gala dinner at the Winter Gardens in Weston-Super-Mare.

The ceremony was hosted by broadcaster and presenter Laura Rawlings and former professional cricketer and PGA gold professional Peter Trego.

WWT Slimbridge was entered into the awards earlier this year and was announced as a finalists in both categories alongside major visitor attractions - Noah's Ark Zoo Farm and The Roman Baths.

Slimbridge was crowned winner in the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year and was also awarded silver for Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award, with gold being awarded to Noah's Ark Zoo Farm.

Gary Haseley- Nejrup, general manager of WWT Slimbridge said: "Winning gold for the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category and silver for the Accessible and Inclusive category is a massive achievement for all our team at WWT Slimbridge.

"We wouldn't have been able to achieve these awards without the amazing support of our staff, volunteers and all our members and visitors. 

"We are thrilled to receive these awards which recognise that Slimbridge provides a truly memorable visitor experience for everyone including those with accessibility requirements.

"All of WWT's wetland centres exist to fulfil founder Sir Peter Scott's vision of connecting people with nature, and aim for wetlands and wildlife to be accessible to everyone.

"Congratulations to all the award winners, particularly the other attractions in our category, Noah's Ark Zoo Farm and The Roman Baths, which are exceptional attractions."

The award recognises that Slimbridge provide a truly memorable visitor experience for everyone - particularly those with accessibility requirements.

Accessibility features include a changing places facility, wheelchair-friendly Wild Safaris for wider access to the 800 acres reserve, the accessible estuary tower hide and the summer walkway and viewing platform, with access to the banks of the Severn Estuary.