A MARINA in Church Minshull has been awarded a top industry prize.

Church Minshull Aqueduct Marina has been handed the coveted 5 Gold Anchors status by The Yacht Harbour Association, supported by the British Marine Federation.

The Gold Anchors Award Scheme was set up more than 25 years ago to establish a quality rating for boat berths throughout the world.

The awards are determined through a comprehensive marina audit, mystery shopper events and berth-holder questionnaires, establishing a marina as a good place to moor under agreed and verifiable quality standards which also includes the internationally recognised ICOMIA Clean Marinas Award.

Robert and Andrea Parton, directors of Aqueduct Marina, were presented with the award by Sarah Treseder, CEO of the Royal Yachting Association at the London Boat Show in January.

Robert said: “We are delighted to receive the maximum 5 Gold Anchor Award.

“It is an achievement of which we are very proud. It is a very prestigious international rating and we have had to meet some very high standards of customer service, facilities and marina environment in order to qualify.

“The staff at Aqueduct Marina all worked extremely hard to achieve this status and we are delighted to have been recognised by the Yacht Harbour Association in this way.”