It has been given the Classic Award in the Museum and Heritage Show Awards.

The judges commented on the museum's success in attracting new audiences by adopting an imaginative and innovative approach to its displays and exhibitions.

The museum attracts 740,000 visitors a year.

Japanese Bullet

Andrew Scott, head of the NRM, said: "A tremendous amount of enthusiasm and hard work has already gone into making the National Railway Museum a first class family attraction.

"We will never stop looking for ways to improve our offer and to generate exciting new ideas for engaging our visitors."

Attractions already on offer include the Japanese Bullet Train exhibition and The Works wing, which demonstrates train engineering.

The museum is currently building an out-station at Shildon, County Durham, which will be open next year.