NESS Botanic Gardens is celebrating a double at the Wirral Tourism Awards for Excellence.

The gardens won Team of the Year at a ceremony at Thornton Hall Hotel on Thursday.

Judges remarked the winning team demonstrated a “very strong customer experience focus, shared vision, close integration of diverse functions, plus sheer collective love of the job in large part directly linked to the degree of mutual team support”.

Director of Ness Gardens, Kevin Reid, also won the Wirral Tourism Ambassador of the Year award. He said: “I am delighted the Ness staff, supported by our small army of volunteers, have been recognised for their hard work and continued commitment not only to the presentation and care of the gardens but also for the enthusiasm with which they welcome and engage our visitors throughout the year.”

Mr Reid, also chairman of the Wirral Attractions Partnership, added: “Getting the award was a complete surprise.

“ I am both thrilled and honoured to have been given this prestigious award from those within the industry.”

Ness Gardens was gifted to the University of Liverpool 60 years ago.

It has enjoyed unparalleled award success in 2008, winning the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year awards for both Merseyside and Cheshire, alongside a coveted gold medal at the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park.