A DARLINGTON ice cream business which opened as a visitor attraction is among a host of finalists for awards recognising the best of the North-East’s tourism.

Regional development agency One North East yesterday announced the finalists for this year’s North-East England Tourism Awards, which reward the leading individuals, businesses and attractions that are contributing to the region’s thriving tourism industry. Tourism is worth almost £4bn to the local economy and employs just over 60,000 people.

More than 40 tourism businesses in the region will be competing at The Hilton in Gateshead next month, with the winners going on to represent the region at the national Enjoy England Awards for Excellence next year.

Darlington-based Archer’s Jersey Ice Cream is up for Small Visitor Attraction and Taste of North-East England awards. Hall Hill Farm, near Lanchester, in County Durham, is nominated for Best Tourism Experience. The Gisborough Hall Hotel is a finalist for Business Tourism and Large Hotel awards.

Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience is a finalist for Large Visitor Attraction, while employee Wendy Clark is in the running for the Outstanding Customer Service Award, as is Jeffrey Bishop, of the Thistle Middlesbrough. Headlam Hall Hotel, near Darlington, is in the running for best Small Hotel and tourist information centres at Barnard Castle and Stanhope are battling it out to be the best in the region.