The region's leading tourism businesses were celebrating last night as the North East England Tourism Awards made their return to Newcastle's Civic Centre.
Presented by drag queen Ophelia B during English Tourism Week, the awards aim to recognise the range of quality tourism businesses that visitors to the North East experience, with several winners going on to represent the region at the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.
The biggest winners on the night were the Teesdale Cheesemakers Ltd, near Bishop Auckland, who picked up two Gold Awards for Taste of North East England and Camping, Glamping and Holiday park of the Year. Seaham Hall Hotel retained its title as small hotel of the year, and will be hoping to defend its title on a national stage later in the year - after it took the same award at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in 2022.
