THE quality of service and professionalism in Wirral’s tourism industry has been honoured in an annual awards ceremony.

Tourism professionals gathered for the prestigious ceremony in Thornton Hall last week.

It has come to represent the very best in the borough’s tourism sector, as well as recognising the quality, achievements and continuous hard work of the individuals behind the success.

Wirral’s food and drink industry’s winners included The Wro in West Kirby which picked up most professional bar team for the second year running, and the Cowshed in Raby Mere, which celebrated two awards for most professional waiting on team and chef of the year for head cook, Emma Wombwell.

Other winners were:

Jackie Bone from Thornton Hall Hotel for Most Welcoming Receptionist

Mandy Cotter from Voirrey Embroidery - Most Helpful Retail Assistant

The Mini Monsters Fun House - Family Friendly Award

Sue Linton from Lady Lever Art Gallery - The Unseen Hero

Camella Cotton from Port Sunlight Museum - Wirral Welcome Award

Kelly Aspinall, student at Wirral Met College - Student/Apprentice of the Year

Rod Mercer, representing Friends of Leasowe Lighthouse - The Heritage/Culture Volunteer of the Year

Ness Gardens Team - Team of the Year.

In addition, the Wirral Tourism Ambassador of the Year Award was presented to Kevin Reid, director of Ness Botanic Gardens and Chairman of the Wirral Attractions Partnership. “This was a complete surprise and I’m both thrilled and honoured to have been given this prestigious award from those within the industry,” said Kevin.

“Wirral is a fabulous place to live and visit and it is exciting to work with industry colleagues towards growing our tourist economy.”