We're still on a high. The Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards (REYTAs) took place yesterday in the spectacular setting of the Grand Hall at The Spa, Bridlington. And we won!
RSPB Bempton Cliffs came out on top in the Remarkable Visitor Attraction category. Sponsored by The Deep in Hull, there was tough competition in this group. We were up against a broad mix of premier attractions including Beverley Race Course and the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust's Living Seas Centre. But on the night, we had a secret weapon...a lucky Puffknit. And when our name was announced, there were cheers all round as Team Bempton and the Puffknit took to the stage.
The REYTAs acknowledge the best in an industry that is worth £700 million to the region's economy. The stringent judging criteria covers every aspect of the attraction's offer such as the quality of the facilities, visitor engagement, customer service and satisfaction so we were delighted just to receive a nomination, let alone walk away with a gong.
Guest of honour, James Beresford, chief executive of Visit England, praised the awards and the standard of the entries - which is reassuring as we now get the chance to progress to the National Finals. Bring it on.
The official winners' photo of Maria, Kim, Avril and Mark from Team Bempton with a representative from our category sponsor, The Deep in Hull.
Two of our hard working volunteers, Angela and Alan, with the award which was designed by students of ceramics at Hull University.
The post Oscars obligatory 'selfie' - fortunately we weren't being judged on our photography skills!