COUNTY Durham tourism businesses were celebrating last night following their success in the first North-East England Tourism Awards.

Organised by regional development agency One NorthEast, the awards were announced last night at the Stadium of Light.

Among the winners were Killhope Lead Mining Museum, in Upper Weardale, which scooped the Most Welcoming Experience Award, and Seaham Hall Hotel and Serenity Spa, which took the Small Hotel of the Year Award. The Small Visitor Attraction of the Year trophy went to the National Trust Gibside.

Also among the finalists were Harperley PoW camp and Hall Hill Farm at Crook, the Visit Teesdale website, Strathmore Barns in Darlington, Barnard Castle Camping and Caravan Club, Durham Marriott Hotel Royal County, Teesdale Marketing Ltd, and Durham City Tourism Information Centre.

More than 50 ventures across the county had been shortlisted for an award.

Seaham Hall Hotel and Serenity Spa and the National Trust Gibside will now go on to represent the North-East in the national Enjoy England Awards for Excellence.