THE high standards set in the tourism industry in Blackpool are recognised in the resort's annual awards ceremony.

And The Citizen is delighted to be involved once again in what will the third year's event being held at the De Vere hotel on February 02.

Blackpool tourism and advertising manager, Katherine O'Connor, said of the glittering event: "The impressively high number of entries in this year's awards clearly shows the high level of excellence that exists in the town.

"And we are delighted with the response from the customers and businesses who have provided us with the information which enables us to select the worthy winners."

The evening will once again be hosted by the The Wave's newsreader Andy Mitchell.

The Citizen is sponsoring the prize for the Entertainment Venue of the Year, which last year was won by Funny Girls, the nightclub run by Basil Newby. This year's nominees are The Globe Theatre (Pleasure Beach), the Grand Theatre and Merrie England Bar.

WINNERS: Zoe, Betty Legs Diamond and Funny Girls boss Basil Newby after receiving last year's award from Citizen editor Alec Stuttard.

THE Tourism Awards 2001 short-list of nominees is as follows:

Hotel Of The Year (over 100 bedrooms) sponsored by Blackpool Pleasure Beach:

Hilton Hotel

Park House Hotel

Queens Hotel

Savoy Hotel

Cafe Of The Year sponsored by Irish Ferries:

Copper Kettle

Jacky's Joint

Ocean Waves

Tracie's Tuck-in

Environmental Award sponsored by Blackpool Private Hotels Association:

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Blackpool Zoo

Burbage Holiday Lodge

SeaLife Centre

Tourism Employee Of The Year sponsored by Imperial Hotel:

Laura Clarke

Karen Dixon

David Ellis

Dorothy Hampson

Hotel Of The Year (1-9 bedrooms) sponsored by The Wave 96.5FM:

Arncliffe Hotel

Fauld House

Sheron House

The Windsor Hotel

Visitor Attraction Of The Year sponsored by Hilton Hotel:

Ripley's Believe IT Or Not

SeaLife Centre

Skyborne UK Limited

Self Catering Accommodation Of The Year sponsored by The Sandcastle:

Ashdean Holiday Flats

Chellow Grange Holiday Flats

Fernlea Holiday Flats

Monarch's Court

Sea Cote Holiday Flats

Woodlands Holiday Flats

Pub Of The Year sponsored by Seacat:

The Crazy Scots Fun Palace

Laughing Donkey, South Pier

N.T.K.

Hotel Of The Year (36-99 bedrooms) sponsored by The Waterfront:

Hackett's York House Hotel

The Hollies Hotel

La Tour Hotel

Royal York Hotel

The Stretton Hotel

Restaurant Of The Year sponsored by Leisure Parcs:

Autumn Leaves Restaurant

Gilbert's Bistro

The White Tower Restaurant

Entertainment Venue Of The Year sponsored by The Citizen:

The Globe Theatre

Blackpool Grand Theatre

Merrie England Bar

Tourism Training Award sponsored by LAWTEC:

De Vere Hotel

Lindum Hotel

Marlow Lodge Hotel

Hotel Of The Year (10-35 bedrooms) sponsored by The Grand Theatre:

The Applethwaite Hotel

Inglewood Hotel

Lanayr Hotel

Kirkstall Hotel

Marlow Lodge Hotel

Rowan Hotel

The Old Coach House

Innovation/Entrepreneur Of The Year sponsored by Northern Spirit:

Burbage Holiday Lodge

Peter Clarke

Hill's Tudor Rose Hotel

Shirley House

Skyborne UK Limited

Valhalla, Blackpool Pleasure Beach