Brian Malunga, who works at Somerset House, has been given the World Class Welcome award at the 2003 London Tourism Awards on Tuesday.

Visit London, the organiser of the event, said: "Although Brian's only remit at Somerset House is to clean, his energy and passion for London makes him a favourite with visitors to the attraction."

The 36-year-old, from Sydenham, south London, said: "Somerset House is a fantastic place to work.

"I like to be knowledgeable about Somerset House and about tourism in London generally. One visitor recommended that I should be a tour guide myself.

Tourism for all

"I would like to do that as I enjoy meeting people."

The award for the best large attraction went to the Natural History Museum, mainly for the Darwin Centre introduced last year.

And Apsley House, which is the former home of the 1st Duke of Wellington, took the prize for the best small attraction.

For the second time in three years the Landmark Hotel was voted the best large hotel.

The Capital was voted the best small hotel and the Windermere Hotel won the best bed and breakfast prize.

The winner of the tourism for all award was the National Portrait Gallery for helping to meet the needs of disabled visitors.