Top tourist attraction title for Long Sutton butterfly park

The title has thrilled new owners Michael and Merle Crosse who only took over the park last year and Mr Crosse dedicated the award to everyone involved in making the park a success.

He said: "This is our first full season here and this award was a wonderful surprise.

"It is recognition for everyone's hard work and the investment the directors have put in. We are absolutely delighted."

The couple have made numerous changes since taking over, including completely overhauling the children's adventure playground, rebranding signs and creating a cabin for visitors to enjoy teas away from the cafe.

New animals include a blackwidow spider, bearded dragons, a boa constrictor, curly coated pigs and possums.

Mr Crosse also plans to open the park for a season over Christmas next year.

He added: " People are worried in the current economic climate but these awards support us by saying 2whatever you are doing, you are doing it very well'."