Vote for York’s history ‘queen’ in national tourism superstar awards (From York Press)

Vote for York’s history ‘queen’ in national tourism superstar awards

8:26am Tuesday 12th February 2013 in News

YORK residents can vote now for the city’s nominee for this year’s VisitEngland Tourism Superstar.

Colleen Devanney, well-known as the Jorvik Viking Centre’s Frigga Boardotter and Barley Hall’s Mistress Crabby, has been bringing Viking and Tudor history to life for more than ten years.

As previously reported in The Press, she is one of ten finalists in the competition to be the country’s tourism champion.

Visit York nominated Ms Devanney for the award for her work as a re-enactor and storyteller.

The accolade recognises the commitment and enthusiasm of those in the tourism industry who go out of their way to ensure visitors to England have a memorable experience.

Visit mirror.co.uk/tourismsuperstar to vote. The winner will be announced during English Tourism Week which runs from March 16 to 24.

Gillian Cruddas, chief executive of Visit York, said: “Colleen can make a crowd of 100 children silent within five seconds. Her storytelling is spellbinding and she makes history come to life with amazing passion; from explaining how the Vikings made shoes to dispelling the myths that the Vikings were vicious and had helmets with horns.

“We’re delighted that Colleen has a chance to win this accolade, representing York and Yorkshire and hope people across the country will vote for her.”