THREE tourism businesses are celebrating after winning national awards.
Beamish, The North of England Open Air Museum, in County Durham, was awarded the region's first ever gold in the Visitor Attraction of the Year category at the Enjoy Excellence In England Awards.
Silver awards went to Cheviot Holiday Cottages, in Northumberland, in the Self-Catering of the Year category and Malmaison hotel, in Newcastle, in the Hotel of the Year category.
More than 100 hotels, attractions, holiday parks and B&Bs from across the country were in the running for the awards, organised by the UK's tourist agency VisitBritain and backed by regional development agency One NorthEast.
A judging panel of national tourist experts visited the region to assess entries.
It is the first time in the event's 15-year history that the North-East has won a gold award and the second year running that the region has received awards in three categories.
John Holmes, director of regeneration and tourism at One NorthEast said: "We are thrilled to have the region's first ever gold winner, and this year's success demonstrates the wealth of exciting and high-quality holiday experiences on offer in England."
He said it was important to build on the success to ensure that the region was a sought-after destination.
Categories are judged on customer satisfaction, investment, quality and access for disabled people.
The awards were set up to promote competition and raise standards.
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