Service gains top score in mysery shopper survey.

LYME Regis Tourist Information Centre has been recognised as one of the best in the country.

It scored a thumping 95 per cent in a nationwide “mystery shopper assessment” carried out this summer by VisitEngland.

It now ranks in the top five out of almost 300 TICs nationwide.

Each year TICs are assessed on a range of topics including the service received, staff knowledge and promotion of the area and the range of services on offer. Staff are also judged on their response to telephone and email enquiries.

The West Dorset District Council-run centre has now been short-listed for the prestigious South West Tourism Excellence Award for Tourist Information Service of the Year.

The winner will be announced on November 15 and will go through to compete against other regional champions in the national Enjoy England Excellence Awards.

Lyme Town Council tourism committee chairman David Cozens said he was not surprised at the TIC’s achievement.

He told the Herald: “ I have always been impressed with the team’s efficiency and obvious enthusiasm “It is really good news for Lyme when competition for business within the holiday industry is so intense, “The TIC is doing a tremendous job and is complementing the efforts of the town council’s publicity and advertising committee which continues to move forward with innovation and new ideas for the benefit of the town’s number one industry.”