The Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership has won an international award for sustainable tourism from the Europarc Federation.

This is the second time that the AONB has been recognised having completed a successful, evidenced based application and passed a three-day assessment by a Europarc Federation assessor.

The award recognises the work that the AONB Partnership does to support environmentally positive tourism in the Shropshire Hills.

This includes working closely with tourism bodies, businesses and communities, running the Shropshire Hills Shuttles and working with partners to manage visitors.

This award puts the Shropshire Hill AONB in a prestigious group of protected landscapes across Europe as well as the Cairngorms National Park and Norfolk Broads in the UK.

Lezley Picton, Shropshire Council Cabinet member for leisure and culture, said:“This award for sustainable tourism is a tremendous achievement for the Shropshire Hill AONB Partnership and promotes the Shropshire Hills as a sustainable visitor destination.

"Congratulations to the team and all partners.”

Phil Holden, Shropshire Hills AONB manager, said:“We would like to thank all of our partners who have worked with us to help secure this important award for the second time.

“This is a big deal for the Shropshire Hills. It recognises our commitment to conserve and enhance the Shropshire Hills by promoting the best of sustainable practices.”