A HERITAGE attraction in Northwich is proving a hit with thousands of visitors after being open for just two months.

The Lion Salt Works, in Ollershaw Lane, has attracted more than 4,000 paying visitors since it opened in June and has won two restoration awards.

The museum was restored in a four-year project at a cost of over £10m by Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) and the gives a fresh insight into the story of salt and its significance to Cheshire and the UK.

One of the last four historic open-pan salt-making sites in the world, the site has a unique industrial heritage and is this is recognised by the museum also having the status of a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Cllr Louise Gittins, CWAC's executive member for culture, leisure and wellbeing, said: "We have had tremendous feedback from our visitors, who have shown real delight in the diversity of what is on offer.

"Our visitors have been a great mixture of people.

"Many come from Manchester – just 20 miles up the road – but lots too from around the country.

"Some come for the industrial heritage, others because of an interest in history or geology.

"Others have sailed to our front door and tied up at the Museum’s moorings.

"It is a tremendously exciting time for the museum and we are determined to build on our initial success by continuing to offer themed events that appeal to our visitor’s imagination, such as salt-boiling days, heritage fly-boat ‘open days’ and industrial heritage and geology tours."

The museum, which won a £5 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, has been highly commended in the building conservation category of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) North West Awards and on the first day of opening won the heritage award at the prestigious 2015 North West Regional Construction Awards.

The restoration work was carried out by Wates Construction.

For more information visit westcheshiremuseums.co.uk