THE Tank Museum has been inducted into the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame.

Staff and supporters of the Bovington museum, which is widely-regarded as boasting the best collection of military machines in the world, are celebrating the award of the annual Certificate of Excellence for five years in a row.

This makes it eligible for the special 'Hall of Fame' recognition, which is only given to the world's best visitor attractions and accommodation.

Museum director Richard Smith said: "TripAdvisor tells us what our customers really think, and we learn a lot from what people have to say about the exhibitions, collections and our customer service.

"The glowing reviews we have received show we are a museum that brings its subject to life - entertaining, educating and moving visitors from across the world.

"We are extremely proud to have achieved such a level of consistent excellence, that we have been recognised by our visitors through TripAdvisor."

More than 90 per cent of reviewers using the online resource have awarded the Tank Museum a 5* review, and it is among the top ten highest rated history museums in the country

Last month (May 2018) HRH Princess Anne officially opened a new workshop at the museum and viewed a restored World War II Matilda tank that had been named in her honour.

The workshop represented the fourth phase of the Bovington museum's redevelopment.

It has received £14m in funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund over the past 12 years. Named the ‘Gilchrist Conservation Workshop’ after Peter Gilchrist the outgoing chairman of trustees, the workshop will enable far more work to be carried out on the museum’s collection.

Opening the facility Princess Anne praised the large educational element, and benefits for apprentices and and interns.

She congratulated all those involved – volunteers, staff, and those who contributed to making a success of the museum and raising its profile.