A SEARCH has begun to find a county's next tourism superstar.

Visit County Durham (VCD) has launched its second annual competition, run in association with Visit England and The Northern Echo, to honour tourism workers who go the extra mile to ensure visitors enjoy their experience.

Last year's inaugural contest was won by Matthew Henderson, an engagement and participation team assistant at Beamish Museum from Witton-le-Wear, near Bishop Auckland, who went on to be named Visit England's national Tourism Superstar earlier this month.

The contest is open to anyone working in the tourism industry in County Durham.

Nomination forms are available online at visitcountydurham.org or by emailing business@visitcountydurham.org

The closing date for entries is Friday, May 15.

An online public vote at thenorthernecho.co.uk will decide the winner, who will be announced at in the summer and go forward to the national competition.

Melanie Sensicle, chief executive of VCD, said: "The award recognises the dedication of those working in Durham's tourism industry because they are the people that visitors meet that can turn a good holiday into a great holiday.

"Matthew's success in going on to win the national competition demonstrates the quality of people Durham has working in the tourism industry.

"This award will continue recognising people on the front-line like Matthew who meet and greet visitors on a daily basis and whose unfailing hard work and creativity ensures that visitors to the museum have a fantastic experience."