BUSINESSES from East Lancashire scooped up 11 awards at annual tourism award ceremony.

The winners of the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2017 were announced at a glittering event held last evening in the magnificent Blackpool Tower Ballroom

More than 500 guests attended the annual awards, organised by Marketing Lancashire, who enjoyed a Lancashire-inspired dinner.

In Burnley three awards were picked up including Bertram’s Restaurant, also based in Burnley, won the Taste Lancashire award.

Olivier Foucre, who has been a director of Bertram’s Restaurant for five years, said: “We have been after this award for over three years.

“We are delighted we have done it this year and no doubt I think a lot of effort has been put into this from the whole team.

“We do not think we have changed much but the word must be going around as we serve over 70,00 customers a year.”

Burnley’s Crow Wood received the Guest Accommodation award while HAPPA, Shores Hey Farm, picked up the Small Visitor Attraction award.

Browsholme Hall, based in Clitheroe, picked up three awards at the annual ceremony, the Sustainable Tourism Award and Inclusive Tourism Award.

Amanda Parker, who owns the Browsholme Hall, said: "‘We were absolutely delighted with the three awards and the recognition given that Browsholme Hall.

"The restoration of the 18th Century listed Tithe Barn six years ago was the catalyst not only to create a unique wedding venue but also manage the whole rural business in a sustainable way.

"We are committed to creating an attraction that is inclusive to all visitors of whatever age, ethnicity or disability. which is challenging in a building that is 500 years old."

The Spread Eagle Inn, Sawley won the dog friendly award while Whalley Warm and Dry received the Retail Experience award.

The small tourism event award was handed to Cloudspotting, in Slaidburn and Potters Barn, Ribchester, received the Lancashire Cafe award.

Whitewell’s Inch Perfect Trials won the visitor experience award and the wedding venue award was awarded to Browsholme Hall and Tithe Barn in Clitheroe.

Ruth Connor, chief executive of Marketing Lancashire, said: “We have so many talented individuals and teams who run businesses giving Lancashire real stand out as a destination and as a place to work.”