Yorkshire scoops tourism 'oscars'

Castle Howard farm shop visitors can often meet local producers.

Three Yorkshire tourism operators - including Castle Howard near York - have been handed awards for excellence.

At the national Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2006, the historic house won the Taste of England Award for its farm shop and courtyard cafe.

Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham picked up the Business Tourism Award for its ability to accommodate up to 2,500 delegates.

And York Luxury Holidays was voted the best self-catering holiday provider.

David Andrews, chief executive of the Yorkshire Tourist Board (YTB), said he was thrilled Yorkshire triumphed in three out of a possible 13 categories.

He added: "It's an outstanding achievement. Only London equalled our performance this year.

"Quality of product is vital to an enhanced visitor experience. Magna, Castle Howard and York Luxury Holidays are perfect examples of excellence, they deserve the accolade 'best in the land'."

Among the runners-up were Harrogate Tourist Information Centre and Caroline Laurent, who narrowly missed out on the Outstanding Customer Service Award for her work at the West Yorkshire Playhouse.