To give the event extra bite, Dracula was on hand to help launch the Moors and Coast Tourism and Partnership Tourism Awards 2008 at Whitby Abbey yesterday

Hotels, cafes and shops from all over the Whitby area as well as Scarborough, Filey, Helmsley, Pickering, Thirsk, Northallerton and Bedale are all eligible.

Clive Rowe-Evans, chairman of the Moors and Coast Tourism Partnership, said: “This is an opportunity for all of us to celebrate the people and places that make the Moors and Coast area of Yorkshire such a special part of the world. It’s an area of striking contrasts, and we’re expecting that this will be reflected in the nominations we receive.”

Aylwin Hill, who with his wife Elizabeth run Discovery Accommodation which won the best self-catering accommodation award last year, said: “The award has been very benefical and also great fun. It has meant we are two years ahead of our business plan.”

Voting cards are available in tourist information centres across the Moors and Coast region until the closing date of the 31 August.

Everyone who submits a nomination will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win two free tickets to the awards dinner on 13 November and overnight accommodation in Scarborough.