Gardens holding a National Plant Collection of Water Lilies in Weymouth have won a major tourism award.

Bennetts Water Gardens have won a Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme (VAQAS) Award in recognition of its high standards.

Tourism Manager James Bennett is delighted: “We have been working towards this award since the business celebrated its 50 th anniversary last summer. It is great to get an official thumbs up for the whole team working here and helps assure our customers of an enjoyable visit.”

The scheme run by VisitEngland assesses the standards of visitor attractions to ensure customers have a clear idea of what to expect. To achieve the award all elements of the tourism experience must meet or exceed a customers expectations.

Ian Scott, Quality Assurance Assessor for VisitEngland, commented: “Bennetts Water Gardens provides a good day out not only for the lily enthusiasts but also visitors who enjoy the peace and quiet of gardens.”

Bennetts Water Gardens are situated 2 miles from Weymouth off the A354 at Chickerell. The gardens are open 10am to 5pm Sunday to Friday from April to October. Visit www.waterlily.co.uk .