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 | | Wednesday, 5 December, 2001, 06:25 GMT Award for space centre  Visitors enjoy close-up views of a space rocket The National Space Centre in Leicester has been named museum of the year by the Good Britain Guide, 2002. The attraction is the only place to receive an award in the guides for both 2001 and 2002. Despite only opening in June of this year, the centre was voted best newcomer in the 2001 guide in anticipation of its opening. In its first five months, the space centre has attracted 165,000 visitors, 25% ahead of its targets. National status Jo Lee, marketing manager at the centre, said: "We're absolutely thrilled to have been chosen for an award for the second year in succession. "Last year, we won 'Newcomer of the Year' in anticipation that we would be a top-class attraction.
"We are particularly delighted that it reflects the national status of our attraction." The centrepiece of the centre is the six-storey tower that contains two rockets. Visitors can stand beneath their nozzles and peer up into the rocket motors There is a full-scale walk-through of part of the International Space Station, as well as a sit-in Mercury capsule where you can go through a simulated launch. There is also a planetarium. Hot ticket The centre is one of 20 award winners in the publication, which is described as the ultimate family companion to the British Isles. It lists county-by-county the most interesting and entertaining places to visit as well as the best restaurants, hotels and bed and breakfasts. The space centre was backed by the Millennium Commission and co-founded by the University of Leicester and Leicester City Council. Its other founding partners were BT and East Midlands Development Agency. | |   See also: Internet links: The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Top England stories now:  Links to more England stories are at the foot of the page. | |||||||||||||||||||
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