CELEBRATING their night in the limelight are these happy winners from York's thriving visitor industry.

They were the victors at the VisitYork Tourism awards, held at the National Railway Museum.

Hundreds of people who work in the industry, which draws 6.8 million visitors to the city each year, stepped out in style for the annual celebration.

It was a double triumph for York Maze, winner of the Family Friendly Experience of the Year and Visitor Experience of the Year, the latter for its Hallowscream event, and for the Royal York Hotel, which won Hotel of the Year and Conference Venue of the Year.

The judges praised York Maze for 'exceptional customer service' and a first-class service for families, and Hallowscream for the planning that went into refreshing the event each year.

Richard Mansell, Royal York Hotel general manager, paid tribute to his staff team, and said the recent multimillion-pound investment in the iconic building was one of the most significant in the hotel sector this year outside London.

Iconic locomotive Flying Scotsman was named York Tourism Ambassador

The Press carried a full list of award winners and finalists in our edition on Friday and on our website, www.thepress.co.uk