IT'S official - Salisbury tourist information centre has been crowned best in the country.

The city received the Best Tourist Information Centre award at an Excellence in England tourism awards ceremony in London's Kensington Palace last week.

Salisbury made it to the final three, from more than 500 TICs in England and Wales, and last Thursday night beat off the two competitors for the top prize.

It was the second time in just six years that Salisbury had been judged the best. The staff last picked up the gong in 1998.

Since then, the centre has taken the south-west prize on three occasions and in 2002 won the national runner-up prize - an amazing feat, given that TICS are not permitted to enter the competition in any year following a win.

Salisbury manager Jane Fry said: "I am so delighted - it hasn't really sunk in yet.

"It was such a fantastic night. Kensington Palace was absolutely wonderful and winning the award just topped that off.

Everyone was so complimentary about us - Salisbury is obviously held in high regard in the tourism industry.

"Ours was the second-to-last award to be announced and we didn't get back to Salisbury until the early hours of the morning - the TIC staff were running on adrenalin on Friday!"

The Excellence in England judges were impressed with Salisbury tourist information centre's commitment to excellent customer service, how the staff work closely with the city's car park ambassadors in helping visitors and how the centre encourages green practices.

Salisbury district council's deputy portfolio holder for planning and economic development, Margaret Peach, said: "This is such a well-deserved award.

"I am so proud of the excellent service the TIC offers every day of the year.

"Tourism is very important to the economy of Salisbury and it is essential that we offer a first-class service to all our visitors and residents.

"Salisbury TIC is not only offering a first-class service, it is offering the best in the country.

"Congratulations to everyone."