TWELVE Ribble Valley businesses and visitor attractions are in the running for major recognition after being nominated in the county’s tourism awards.

The Lancashire and Blackpool tourism awards will take place at the Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Clayton-le-Moors, on June 9, when winners in the 14 categories will be announced.

The businesses nominated in East Lancashire include Clitheroe Castle and Museum, Mitton Hall, Whalley, and The Old Shippon, Mellor.

Tony Openshaw, Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board director of marketing, said: “This year, perhaps more than ever, we’re delighted by the enthusiasm our colleagues across the industry have expressed in the Tourism Awards, with more entries than ever before.

“Throughout the challenges of the economic downturn, tourism businesses have continued to move forward and innovate.”

Two local attractions are up for the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year, the Clitheroe Castle and Museum and Samlesbury Hall.

The Gibbon Bridge Hotel, Chipping, and the Stirk House Hotel, Gisburn, are both nominated in the Small Hotel of the Year category.

Mr Openshaw said: “The shortlist reveals the frontrunners in each field, amidst an increasingly impressive range of applications.”

The other Ribble Valley business nominated are Mitton Hall, Whalley (Bed and Breakfast of the Year), Twyn Ghyll Leisure Park, Gisburn (Caravan Holiday Park award), The Old Shippon, Mellor (Self Catering Award), Bashall Barn, Clitheroe (Taste Lancashire award), Mytton Fold Hotel and Golf Complex, Langho (Access for all Tourism Award), Go Ape! Rivington (Best Tourism Experience of the Year), Stanley House, Mellor (Business Tourism Award), and Clough Bottom Farm Cottages, Bashall Eaves (Sustainable Tourism Award).