Rugby lines up alongside icons The Beatles and Shakespeare

By Friday 25 April 2014 Updated: 25/04 10:06

Rugby Visitor Centre’s Lorraine Smith celebrates the town’s gold award in Visit England’s Hall of Fame (s)

ONE of England's best claims to fame - that is the verdict on Rugby, as its heritage as the birthplace of the game secured the town a gold award in Visit England's prestigious Hall of Fame.

It lines up alongside The Beatles, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the sandwich and William Shakespeare in the Hall of Fame launched at Observation Point on London's Southbank on Wednesday – St George's Day.

Earlier this year the tourist board invited the public to submit suggestions of England's best contributions to the world, and what makes it a great place to visit and explore.

And Rugby topped the vote in the Sport and Leisure category.

Simon Gardner, manager of Rugby Visitor Centre, said: "We're delighted Rugby has taken a gold award in Visit England's Hall of Fame, promoting our place in history as the birthplace of the game to a global audience.

"We're ready to welcome thousands of visitors to the town ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup, and this recognition from Visit England and the public throws the spotlight on our unique contribution to both England's history and the sporting world."

The exhibition on London's Southbank runs until Wednesday April 30.

Visit www.englandshalloffame.com for more information about Visit England's Hall of Fame.