Shugborough, Staffordshire's jewel in the crown tourist attraction, has been heralded as one of the best cultural experiences in the West Midlands.

Regional personalities Nick Owen and Suzanne Virdee from Midlands Today presented the prestigious gold, silver and highly commended awards at a glittering award ceremony in Birmingham last night. Shugborough was awarded the silver award in the Regional Culture category and was praised for the Staffordshire estate's presentation and understanding of the area's history, heritage and contemporary culture. The gold award was won by The Birmingham Hippodrome.

The high profile Regional Culture Award is part of The Heart of England Excellence in Tourism Awards 2009. The Heart of England Awards, in association with the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2009, celebrate the very best in tourism.

Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Economy, Skills and Enterprise, Cllr Michael Lawrence, said: "We are absolutely delighted to achieve the silver award for the Regional Cultural category. Shugborough presents and interprets history like no other venue in the West Midlands and to be a runner-up for this prize - which is like an Oscar to the tourism industry - speaks volumes about how valuable the estate is.

"To be recognised as one of the region's finest cultural attractions is not only testament to the wonderful collections and phenomenal working buildings on the estate, but to the staff and costumed characters who bring history to life day-to-day."

Shugborough, which is operated by Staffordshire County Council, is the nation's most complete working historic estate. Costumed characters bring history alive as visitors see life above and below stairs in the real working environments of the stately home. The estate also houses the county museum where real Staffordshire environments have been constructed including shops, a schoolroom and a puppet museum.

More than 120,000 people visit the attraction near Stafford each year and over 15,000 schoolchildren enjoy hands-on education on school trips annually.