Dozens of holiday industry stalwarts earned a 'Blackpool Oscar' last week after the resort's eighth annual tourism awards.

More than 120 finalists, from all areas of the tourism industry, gathered at the Tower Ballroom for Friday's glittering awards ceremony which was hosted by Sky News and Fox News showbusiness reporter Neil Sean.

But in the end only 17 entrants went home with one of the coveted prizes including Blackpool Zoo which took the 'Visitor Attraction of the Year' title and the resort's Grand Theatre, named 'Entertainment Venue of the Year'.

Among other winners were BBC's 'Holiday' programme which earned the much coveted 'TV Programme of the Year' for its report on the resort, presented by presenter, Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen.

And the Paramount Imperial Hotel, North Promenade, also scooped the top Tourism Training award, while over-50s holiday group, WA Shearings, was voted Best Tourism Business.

But it was Blackpool Pleasure Beach which stole the show scooping three awards including the 'Hotel of the Year' (100 rooms and above) for the Big Blue Hotel, 'Restaurant of the Year' for the White Tower Restaurant and the 'Lifetime Achievement' award presented to director, Jim 'JR' Rowland.

Pleasure Beach Managing Director, Amanda Thompson, said: "Blackpool Tourism Awards are a true barometer of excellence within the resort and we are delighted our achievements have been so well recognised this year.

"It is especially rewarding for Jim Rowland to receive an accolade for his dedication to Pleasure Beach and the tourism industry as a whole."

Big Blue Hotel Manager, Stuart Tilt, added: "The Big Blue has grown in stature and become a reputable, popular venue for locals and holidaymakers alike.

"In the past year we have established a friendly team who put customer satisfaction first and have introduced a host of new services including concierge and 24hr room service.

"We are listening to our customers and giving them what they want, and it's a true testament of the hard work we"ve all put in that the hotel has been credited with these awards. We will continue to build on this success."