Fifteen awards were presented by the Moors and Coast Tourism Partnership which covers the area of Scarborough, Ryedale, Hambleton and the North York Moors National Park.

The event is now in its third year and new categories this year included Pub of the Year, restaurant (high volume) and hotel (more than 35 rooms).

Last night's awards dinner in the Spa Grand Hall was hosted by former Miss Scarborough and Calendar presenter Carolyn Hodgson, who mentioned spent time in Scarborough this summer and hired a chalet in the South Bay.

Cllr David Jeffels, portfolio holder for tourism and leisure services, helped judge the competition, and said that the awards recognise the very best the area has to offer.

"This year has underlined the need to promote the whole area as a tourist destination. While the weather has been inclement at times on the coast, tourists have been able to enjoy the attractions in other parts of the area while staying in Scarborough," he said.

The sustainable tourism award went to Starfish Accommodation in Whitby as judges were impressed with their "holistic approach to energy conservation".

Hidden Treasures in Scarborough's Market Vaults came first in the tourism retail category.

Owner Margaret Riley said: "It's fantastic. I've been in the shop four years and really enjoy what I'm doing."

Farmhouse Preserves in Crayke, near York, won cafe/bar of the year and Cafe View in Eastborough, which has been open just five months, was highly commended.

Trisha Leake of Cafe View said: "We are building up a nice level of local trade and have met some lovely people. We were honoured to be nominated."

Pub of the year was named as The Blacksmiths Arms in Lastingham. Manager Jenny Stephenson said: "We are really thrilled."
Scarborough's Golden Grid restaurant was awarded the accolade for best restaurant of the year (high volume).

Operations director Richard Johnson said: "We've been here 25 years and this award is recognition well deserved for all the effort the staff have put in."

Chapters restaurant in Stokesley, won restaurant of the year (special occasion) and Le Chat Noir in Eastborough, Scarborough, was highly commended for its "varied menu and friendly atmosphere".
Owner Susie O'Neill said: "We've only been open 18 months so it's quite an honour to be here."

Alison Steele was delighted to win the outstanding customer service award for her work with Open Top Bus Guide Coastal and Country Coaches.
She said: "Now I know how the Oscars feel! I love my job and it's lovely to be appreciated."

Filey Museum scooped visitor attraction of the year (under 50,000) for the second year in a row.

Chairman trustee Robert Hartley said: "We are delighted to win for a second time – this reflects really well on all our volunteers."

The North York Moors Railway steamed ahead to win visitor attraction of the year (50,000 and over).

Chairman Neal Clarke said: "There was strong competition so we are very pleased – it makes us eager to come back again next year."

Sue and Eddie Prince of Goosewood Holiday Park said they were "ecstatic" to pick up the award for caravan park of the year.

Discovery Accommodation in Whitby won best self catering holiday accommodation and Lighthouse Cottage in Scarborough was highly commended for its "excellent décor and facilities throughout".

Best guest accommodation of the year went to No 9 B&B in Pickering. Owners Aylwin and Elizabeth Hill collected the award.
Mr Hill said: "We thoroughly enjoy making people's leisure breaks special."

Saxonville Hotel in Whitby won hotel of the year (up to 50 bedrooms) for the second year running for its "consistently high standard of service".

Scarborough's Crown Spa Hotel was named hotel of the year (50 bedrooms and over). Manager David Chambers collected the award and said: "Everyone's hard work has paid off, it's absolutely fantastic."
Judges noted that the mystery shopper who visited the hotel went back and ate there for a second night at their own expense.

Scarborough entertainer Tony Peers was given the award for outstanding service to tourism.

He said: "I have had many nice things happen in my life and this ranks way up with them all. I'm astonished to get an award for just doing something I love."

Steve Hollingworth, Scarborough Council's head of tourism and leisure services, said: "Tonight has been very successful – we've had a good mix of winners from across the region and people are already talking about next year."

Sponsors included: GNER, Barclays Bank, Scarborough Evening News, Moors and Coast Tourism Partnership, Tourism First, McCain, Pindar Graphics, Scarborough Hospitality Association, Bryn Jones Associates, Proudfoot, Matthew Clarke Wholesale and Castle Employment Agency.

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