ONE of Northwich’s top attractions has received a major lift after winning a tourism accolade.

The Anderton Boat Lift, which is known as the ‘Cathedral of the Canals’, has been awarded VisitEngland’s Best Told Story Accolade.

The award recognises the unique story-telling experience that the Lift’s staff give its 120,000 plus visitors each year.

Visitors can visit the Canal and River Trust’s Anderton Boat Lift free of charge, giving access to its exhibition, play area, shop and its tree-top Coffee Shop that overlooks the giant Lift.

Accolades are only available to attractions that are part of the VistEngland’s Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme and are awarded following a rigorous scoring scheme based on a unannounced visit.

Timothy Turner, general manager at Anderton Boat Lift, said: “I am delighted that the hard work and commitment of all the staff and volunteers at the Lift is recognised with this sought-after and prestigious accolade.

“We are all very passionate about the Lift and its history and try to go that extra mile to create an enjoyable and memorable experience for all our visitors.

“A great deal of thought has gone into telling the fascinating story of the world’s first successful boat lift and how it is still working today. At all stages we aim to engage the audience.

“So whether visitors come to visit the free exhibition, listen to our experienced boat guides as they float through the Lift and along the River Weaver or simply read the display boards as they walk through the terraced site, we aim to interest and educate visitors from young to old.”

The Anderton Boat Lift was the world’s first ever successful boat lift, and sits between the River Weaver and the Trent and Mersey Canal.

The Lift has an extensive programme of activities throughout the year.

This includes a variety of paid events such as the annual beer festival, summer concert and Firework Spectacular as well as a host of free events such as a Transport Festival, Victorian Weekend and a Wild West Weekend.

The Lift is owned by the Canal and River Trust and was restored in 2002 after a £7 million restoration made possible due to a substantial grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

For more information about the Canal and River Trust click here.