STAFF at one of the region's most cutting-edge visitor attractions raised a glass to the success of their first year in business.

Indoor visitor centre Rheged near Penrith has recieved more than 300,000 visitors since Lord Bragg of Wigton opened the unusual grass-covered building on August 4, 2000.

Rheged's marketing and sales manager Claire Logan said: "The daily praise we receive for our staff, the inspiring architecture and our stunning giant movie is something everyone takes pride in.

What is more, with the disastrous effect on tourism due to foot-and-mouth, we are equally proud of the way we, along with the Cumbria Tourist Board and other agencies, have played our part in helping to encourage visitors back to the area."