MUSEUM staff are steaming ahead today as they celebrate a major accolade as the UK’s best heritage project.

Celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott presented the National Lottery Award trophy this morning to the Lion Salt Works Museum.

The public played a major role in the award for the museum, which received almost 6,000 votes during the annual search to find the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects.

Museum staff, volunteers and trustees were also thanked for their contribution towards the success of the museum, which opened last year following a four-year restoration.

The museum has won a £3,000 cash prize and a trophy, and will attend a star-studded awards ceremony, The National Lottery Stars, to be broadcast on BBC One on September 12.

Ainsley Harriott said: “This is a fantastic project, not just for the 15,000 people who have already visited, but for future generations of visitors.

“It is great that National Lottery players have helped to bring to life the importance of Cheshire salt, which was used worldwide to salt fish and make cheese, among other things.”

Cheshire West and Chester Council cabinet member Cllr Louise Gittins said: “This is a hotly-contested national award, and it is an understatement to say we are delighted to win it.

“I believe the museum has won this award because of the infectious enthusiasm of its staff, volunteers and trustees and the way their passion has engaged the community and all who visit the museum.

“Many thanks to the National Lottery and its players who have helped make this possible, and a special thankyou to everyone who voted for the museum.”

The Lion Salt Works Museum opened after a 30-year campaign to save the UK’s last open pan salt-making site in Cheshire.

A four-year restoration turned a dilapidated structure into a museum, preserving a key part of the country’s industrial history through interesting and fun displays, which include a light and sound show.

The museum received £5.2 million of National Lottery funding through the Heritage Lottery Fund. It competed against six projects to be crowned Heritage Award winner, and was the only contender in the north west.