EIGHT East Lancashire businesses and visitor attractions are in the running for recognition after being nominated for major tourism awards.

The 2010 England Northwest Tourism Awards will take place at The Point, Lancashire County Cricket Club’s new £12m conference centre, in Manchester on September 29, when winners in the 16 categories will be announced.

Many of the finalists have already come out on top at the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourism Awards and will now be competing to be the region’s best.

In addition to receiving a prestigious title and trophy, winners will also represent the region in the national awards, organised by VisitEngland in 2011.

The businesses nominated in East Lancashire include Clitheroe Castle and Museum, The Old Shippon, Mellor and the Towneley Heritage Parkland Restoration project, Burnley.

Felicity Goodey, chair of Tourism England’s Northwest said: “It is important we celebrate the enormous amount of progress our tourism has made in the past decade, and it is essential we recognise the continuous hard work of all those who contribute to the industry.

The Mytton Fold Hotel and Golf Complex is nominated in the Tourism for All category and a 1940s Wartime Weekend at the East Lancashire Railway is up for the Tourism Event award.

Others nominated are Go Ape! Rivington, Stanley House, Mellor and Clough Bottom Farm Cottages, Bashall Eaves.