Representatives from the museum collected the silver trophy, which was awarded in The Small Visitor Attraction of the Year category in the South West England Tourism Excellence Awards.

The glittering award ceremony was held at the Eden Project in Cornwall on 23 March.

Judges spoke of ‘a surprising building and an even more surprising experience’. They described the Museum of East Dorset as ‘a wonderful resource for the market town of Wimborne both for visitors and residents’.

The museum is located in a Grade II* listed historic house opposite the Minster Church, right in the heart of Wimborne.

Its collections include rare and unique exhibits of local and national significance, which preserve and celebrate the culture and stories of Wimborne Minster and the surrounding areas of East Dorset.

Families and all ages and abilities can explore the themed and temporary exhibitions and there are seasonal trails, crafts and fun hands-on activities in every gallery. The Garden Tea Room looks out onto a beautiful walled garden. The Information Centre has souvenirs and gifts handmade by local artisans, as well as a huge selection of quality second-hand books.

Sara Marshall, chair of the Priest’s House Museum Trust which runs the museum, said: “Following on from our gold trophy at the Dorset Tourism Awards, it was marvellous to receive further recognition of the work of the museum on a regional level.”

Museum director, Chezzie Hollow, just couldn’t stop smiling: “We are very proud to have won silver. It was the last category of the night and competition was incredibly tough: Calancombe Estate and Dartmouth Distillery, Hangloose Adventure Eden and PK Porthcurno.

“The award is testament to the combined efforts of staff, volunteers, trustees, and the many local groups and organisations who work with us and help us deliver high quality services to the East Dorset community, and real public benefit through our learning and community engagement activities.

“We look forward to welcoming you to our award-winning museum.”