WIRRAL’S tourism heroes are set to be recognised at an annual award ceremony.

Now in its 11th year the Wirral Tourism Awards seeks to recognise and reward outstanding contributions made by people, groups and businesses in the borough.

With nominees now finalised, a second round of judging by an independent panel will take place.

The winner of each category will be announced at glitzy gala dinner at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton on Wednesday April 12.

Previous winners include The Wro, Promenade Estates, Fabulous Frost Fair and Port Sunlight Museum.

Wirral Council’s Tourism champion Cllr Tony Jones said: “With more than 500 nominations this year – a record number for the Wirral Tourism Awards – it’s clear that the local tourism sector has a lot to shout about.

“We were particularly pleased to receive so many first-time nominations, which demonstrates the vitality of the tourism sector and really bodes well for its future growth.”

The list of nominees:

Attraction of the Year sponsored by Printfine

• Brimstage Maze

• Floral Pavilion

• Lady Lever Art Gallery

Event of the Year sponsored by Orb Events

• Fabulous Frost Fair

• Wirral Bazaar

• Wirral Real Ale Trail

Volunteer Team of the Year sponsored by Ness Gardens

• Hoylake Community Cinema

• New Brighteners

• Williamson and Priory Friends+

B&B of the Year sponsored by Wirral Chamber

• Mere Brook House

• Jug & Bottle

• Albion House

Bar of the Year sponsored by Mathew Clarke Drinks Wholesalers

• Paradox

• Jug & Bottle

• Marino Lounge

Sustainable Tourism sponsored by Mills Media

• Claremont Farm

• Mere Brook House

• Caffe Cream

• Ness Gardens

Hotel of the Year sponsored by Contessa Hotels

• Village Hotel

• New Brighton

• Inglewood Manor

• The Ship

Wirral Taste Award sponsored by Carringtons Catering

• Blackberry Grove

• Burnt Truffle

• Claremont Farm

Independent Business of the Year sponsored by Woods Squared Ltd

• Port Sunlight Village Trust

• Caffe Cream

• Whitmore & White

Hidden Gem sponsored by Chair Style

• Benty Farm Tearooms

• Port Sunlight River Park

• Shore Cottage Studio

• Wirral Transport Museum & Heritage Tramway

Tourism Star

• Alison Bailey Smith of Williamson Art gallery and Museum

• Justin Dooley of Caffe Cream

• John Spilletts of Port Sunlight Village Trust

People's Choice

• Benty Farm Tearooms

• Fabulous Frost Fair

• Gifts from Me to You

Young Chef sponsored by Wirral Met College

• Emily Milne, Leasowe Castle Hotel

• Robert Manger, Milan the restaurant

• Marcin Sielsk, Riviera Restaurant at the Leverhulme

• Jamie Macmahon, The Oak Bar & Bistro

For more information about the gala dinner and how to buy tickets visit www.wirraltourismawards.com