LEISURE venues and visitor attractions across North Yorkshire are in the running to receive prestigious regional awards.

The annual White Rose Awards recognise the best in the business across Yorkshire's tourism and hospitality industry and the 103 finalists for the 2019 awards have now been revealed.

North Yorkshire has a good showing, with a host of popular attractions making the shortlist including the Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and Castle Howard.

The Black Sheep Brewery in Masham, The Star Inn at Harome and The Wensleydale Heifer in Leyburn are among the food and drink producers shortlisted, while Brompton Lakes holiday accommodation near Richmond and Go Ape at Dalby Forest also make the finals.

The Northern Echo:

Jo Theakston of Black Sheep Brewery with Peter Dodd of Welcome to Yorkshire Picture: Matt Roberts

The winners will be announced in a glittering ceremony at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on November 25.

The awards are organised by Welcome to Yorkshire whose head of special projects, Claudine Shaw, said: “A huge well done to everyone who’s made it onto this year’s shortlist.

"The White Rose Awards is one of our flagship events, and it’s such a privilege to be able to honour the stars of Yorkshire tourism.

"The competition is always tough as the standards are so incredibly high in the county.

"Good luck to everyone and we can’t wait to see you on the night for one of the biggest parties of the year.”

The Northern Echo:

White Rose Award chair Elaine Lemm added: “This year’s panel of prestigious industry-wide experts have been well and truly put through their paces shortlisting for the recently revamped White Rose Awards.

"With the standard of entries continuing to rise, competition was fierce, and choosing finalists not easy."

There are 19 categories in total and the winner of each category will be ranked as gold, followed by two runners up being rated silver and bronze.

The top three in 15 of the categories will then be automatically entered in the renowned Visit England Awards to compete for national acclaim.