A POPULAR North Yorkshire restaurant has been nominated for a top award in the Hi-Life Dining Awards 2009.

The Crab and Lobster, at Asenby, near to Thirsk, is named on a short-list for the Best Yorkshire and North East Restaurant.

Based on Dishforth Road the restaurant is in prestigious company as it battles for the top title.

The awards are highly coveted as the nominations are decided on the basis of diners’ votes.

Jason Greenwood, the managing director of Vimac Leisure which own the Crab and Lobster, said: "It’s excellent news.

"We have been in for the award before and hopefully this year we will win it and we are very pleased to be put forward.

"Winning the award would be credit for the dedication and hard work of all the staff there."

The winners will be named at a ceremony in Manchester on Friday, January 30, hosted by Gordon Burns and Ranvir Singh.

David Heeley, company president of Hi-Life, said: "Unlike some awards, the Hi-Life Dining Awards short-list is compiled from votes cast by the dining public.

"Receiving a Hi-Life Award is often the culmination of a lifetime's work and a huge pat on the back for everyone in the restaurant team.

"I would like to congratulate everybody who has been nominated for an award this year."