HIGH standards at Dover Castle have scooped the English Heritage site the 2003 British Incoming Tour Operators Association Attraction of the Year Award.

Castle attractions, customer services, parking, website information and entrance fees were all attributes evaluated for the judging by BITOA members.

Janette Cole, acting site manager, said: "Winning the award will certainly raise interest in Dover Castle from incoming visitors from the US and Europe and this will produce greater opportunities to local businesses and trade in the area."

The award was presented at the BITOA convention in Edinburgh by Mike Watson, Scottish Minister for Tourism and Sport.