THE National Marine Aquarium has scooped a sustainable tourism award.

It was presented with the accolade for its approach to environmental management, sustainable purchasing policy and interpretation of the marine environment.

According to judges of the Devon Tourism Awards who presented the aquarium with a bronze prize, the centre is "an excellent example of sustainability being applied in a larger business."

Calling the award a 'tremendous honour' managing director of the Barbican-based aquarium Dr David Gibson said: "The Aquarium is committed to conserving the marine environment and encouraging others to do the same, through our exhibits and education programmes, as well as the numerous conservation projects we are involved with.

"We are very proud to have been rewarded for these efforts."