TOURISM business in Wyre Forest and its surrounding area have been recognised after making it through to the prestigious Heart of England Excellence in Tourism Awards.

Contenders for the awards include Brockencote Hall Hotel, Chaddesley Corbett and The Elms Luxury Family Hotel, Abberley, in the small hotel category, as well as Witley Court and Gardens, in small visitor attraction.

The businesses have been nominated in a range of categories and will go through to the Regional Tourism for Excellence Awards, to be held on Thursday, October 29.

The awards have been organised by Tourism West Midlands, which is the regional partner of Destination Worcestershire, which aims to promote tourism throughout the county.

The winners of the Heart of England categories go through to the National Tourism Awards.

The competition highlights tourism businesses offering a good experience, allowing residents to enjoy the great places to visit and stay.

Rod Nipper, Destination Worcestershire manager, said: "We are delighted to see so many Worcestershire businesses shortlisted for the awards, demonstrating the high standards being achieved by our local tourism industry."

Visit www.visitworcestershire.org to find out more information about many of the tourism businesses in the regional competition.

Other Heart of England Tourism finalists:

Outstanding Customer Care Award:

Chris Catford – Cotswold Conference Centre (Farncombe Estate)

Access For All Award:

Hidelow House Cottages, near Malvern

Sustainable Tourism Award:

Cotswold Conference Centre (Farncombe Estate), near Broadway

Hidelow House Cottages, near Malvern

Bed and Breakfast:

Lower End House, near Pershore

Windrush House, Broadway

Self Catering:

Hidelow House Cottages, near Malvern

The Woodhouse Farm Cottages, near Malvern

Broadway Manor Cottages, Broadway

Business Tourism – Best Conference Venue:

Cotswold Conference Centre (Farncombe Estate), near Broadway