COVENTRY.- The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum's exciting work has been recognised with three top honours from the Best of the West Awards. The three awards were Outstanding Individual for Senior Learning Officer Robin Johnson, Best Exhibition on a Shoestring for ROOTS and Best Public Relations and Marketing.

The Best of the West awards celebrate the work of museums and galleries across the West Midlands in creating exciting new projects and exhibitions, and engaging diverse audiences.

Ludo Keston, Chief Executive said "We're all really happy that the work of the Herbert is being recognised by its peers. Although we've won three specific categories, it's the work of every department that makes a museum successful and affords for individuals and projects to be highlighted. I'm especially pleased for Robin Johnson who will be leaving us after 15 years. The Outstanding Individual Award is probably the best send-off we could ever give him."

Award recipient and Senior Learning Officer Robin Johnson said "Since starting in 1995 I've seen many school groups and families engage with the collections and exhibitions here at the Herbert. The work that we've done and continue to do is possible because of the team rather than just me but it is rather lovely to be thought of as an outstanding individual."

ROOTS was an exhibition by local artist Katie Boyce which was inspired by the photographic exhibition Face to Face. With ROOTS Boyce explored some of the links that exist between humans and the animals and raised questions about rights and justice, responsibilities and relationships.

The Best Public Relations and Marketing award incorporates campaigns which saw the gallery win the Guardian's Family Friendly Award and then become finalists for the Art Fund Prize. The department has also helped to raise visitor figures from 80,000 per year to 320,000 per year.

The Best of the West Awards are run by Renaissance West Midlands.