The town won gold in The Best Day Out category in the Enjoy England Awards, which are known as the Oscars of tourism.

Thousands of readers voted for Whitby in an online poll, pipping nine other major tourist destinations on the Daily Mail's Travelmail website.

These included London Zoo, Hadrian's Wall and Dartmoor.

The award is the latest in a long line of accolades for the town, including being named Seaside Resort of the Year by Which? magazine in 2006 and claiming the number one spot in the Observer's 50 Best British Holidays supplement

Chairman of Whitby and District Tourism Association Harry Collett said: "The word is out, Whitby is no longer a secret. The ripples are going out literally all over the world.

"I think it will only grow, particularly if the price of fuel goes up and people stop flying abroad.

"There's plenty to do for all the family between eight and 80. Even below eight, if the weather's okay, can play on the sands.

Chairman of Whitby Hospitality Association Graham Collinson said: "It's just another endorsement for Whitby. It's another award over a number of years so we must be doing something right.

"What we've got to do then is build on that and tell even more people the good news and just keep informing them of the joys of visiting Whitby and the area.

"In these days we need as much good news as we can get. Anything like this is good for the town."

Coun David Jeffels, Scarborough Council's cabinet member for tourism, added: "This is another wonderful accolade for Whitby and shows what we have known for a long time, that the town is a number one place for a fantastic day out.

"The national recognition it brings is thoroughly deserved."

The award was presented to the chief executive of Yorkshire Tourism David Andrews at a gala award night on Wednesday hosted by television star Ben Miller.

Other winners included Glastonbury festival organiser, Michael Eavis and Arsenal football club's ground The Emirates Stadium.

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