THE results of this year's United Utilities North West tourism awards are in -- and several institutions from the Fylde coast received recognition.

The Grand Hotel in St Annes was chosen as best small hotel of the year. Judges were impressed by the blend of modern facilities and original Victorian facade. Extensive refurbishment and an updated website helped to increase business to the extent that bookings are already being taken for the British Open golf championship next year.

And the award for caravan holiday park of the year went to Sunset Park in Poulton-le-Fylde for its first class services and facilities such as a swimming pool, sauna and fishing lake. Both places will now represent the region at London's England For Excellence awards.

A number of other tourist hotspots won silver awards, such as Fleetwood's North Euston Hotel, Ribby Hall Holiday Village in Wrea Green and The Old Coach House in Blackpool.

And Blackpool as a resort came second in the "favourite day out" category.

North West Tourist Board chairman Anthony Goldstone praised the region for having some of the best attractions and facilities in the country.

He added: "Clearly tourism in the North West continues to flourish and this is a reflection on the region's character and determination to succeed."