The Bowes Museum has secured national recognition for two of its attractions.

The Museums + Heritage Awards saw Café Bowes named Café of the Year, while the intricate restoration project of the famous Silver Swan was shortlisted.

The café award was put to the public vote, with Bowes up against tough competition from the American Museum & Gardens in Bath and the Thackray Museum of Medicine in Leeds.

Darlington and Stockton Times: From left, Museums + Heritage Awards host Ella Al-Shamahi, the Bowes Museum's enterprise manager David Nicholls, executive director Hannah Fox, chair of trustees Peter Mothersill, cafe supervisor Lisa Waller, collections manager Jane Whittaker, and

Bring Back the Magic of the Silver Swan was shortlisted in the Restoration or Conservation Project of the Year category, missing out to The Churches Conservation Trust.

Hannah Fox, executive director of the museum, in Barnard Castle, said: "We are really thrilled that the outstanding work carried out by the dedicated and hard-working team in Café Bowes has been recognised by their fantastic and loyal customers. Thank you to everyone who voted for them.

Darlington and Stockton Times: The restored Silver Swan at Bowes Museum Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

“We are also so pleased at the wider recognition that the intricate Silver Swan conservation project has received from our industry peers, for it to be shortlisted alongside a vast array of other worthy competitors and well done to the team at The Churches Conservation Trust for winning the category.

“For the museum to be recognised at these awards is testament to the fact that County Durham really is a great plant to eat, visit and enjoy.”