THE Whitehall Hotel, in Darwen, is celebrating after a member of staff won a prestigious tourism award.

Duncan Gill, 40, who has worked at the Ross Street hotel as a kitchen porter for 20 years, won the Unsung Hero award at the Lancashire Excellence in Tourism Awards at the Imperial Hotel, Blackpool.

The awards are held annually by the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board.

The owner of the Whitehall, Neil Bullows, said the awards were highly coveted.

He said: "We are delighted that Duncan won this award. He is truly deserving."

Duncan was presented with the award by Hayley Tamaddon who plays Delilah Dingle in ITV's Emmerdale.

The Unsung Hero Award category is for individuals who work behind the scenes in the tourism industry and demonstrate an exceptional' level of dedication and work ethic.

The category was highly contested and the judges were impressed by Duncan's 20 years of continuous service.