West Cornwall’s attractions have been honoured with a triple win at Cornwall Tourism Awards last night.

In a category hotly contended by attractions across the county, all three awards were snapped up by Penwith destinations. Bronze went to Penlee House Gallery and Museum, silver to Geevor Tin Mine and the gold award to first-time entrants Porthcurno Telegraph Museum.

“We’re absolutely delighted to be voted the best small attraction in Cornwall where there is so much on offer and the standard is so high. We’re even more delighted to stand alongside two other local attractions as excellent as Geevor and Penlee. I’m sure that local people are every bit as proud as we are that Penwith has shone so brightly at this year’s awards. ” said Rachel Webster, from Porthcurno Telegraph Museum.

The museum, which is set within secret World War II tunnels and the buildings of the historic Cable & Wireless training college, has previously been listed amongst the 50 best museums in Britain.

It tells the story of how telegraph technology connected the world before telephones and the internet. The museum is currently undergoing a multi-million pound development. The new Clore Learning Space will open in 2013 as a brand new facility for local schools and community groups, followed by improved visitor facilities, a café and new exhibitions in 2014.

The Museum will now join other winners in going through to the regional South West Awards.

Alison Bevan, director at Penlee House Gallery & Museum said that having won gold for the past three years, they were disappointed to have missed out this year, but delighted to have been in the top three with such worthy adversaries – and winners – as Porthcurno Telegraph Museum and Geevor Tin Mine. 

Alison said: "We are thrilled that the three winners are all heritage attractions in West Cornwall and it speaks volumes for the strength of our sector in this part of the county. 

"We heartily congratulate Porthcurno and Geevor, as well as the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, winners of the Large Visitor Attraction category."