CUMBRIA'S tourism industry was celebrated last night (June 22) in a glittering ceremony.

The evening saw the very best of Cumbria's tourism industry recognised for their achievements at Cartmel Racecourse.

This year, in addition to the main awards, the 2016 Bernard Gooch Tourism Personality of the Year Award was awarded to managing director of Windermere Lake Cruises, Nigel Wilkinson, for the outstanding contribution he has made to Cumbria.

The award is managed by the Commercial Members’ Committee at Cumbria Tourism and gives recognition to those who have demonstrated an outstanding contribution over and above their normal duties to enhance the visitor economy and reputation of Cumbria.

Ian Stephens, managing director of Cumbria Tourism, said: "Last night we celebrated the very best of what Cumbria has to offer and reinforced why the county is the nations’ favourite holiday destination.

"Everybody involved in this industry should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved and in particular I would like to thank last night winners and finalists for their outstanding achievement, continuous hard work and their special contribution to Cumbria’s £2.6billion tourism industry."

Winners this year included Waterhead in Ambleside, which took home the Large Hotel of the Year award; Ullswater Steamers, which was awarded the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year; Low Sizergh Barn, which won Taste Cumbria's Retailer of the Year and the Tourism Pub of the Year award went to The Wheatsheaf in Brigsteer.

2016 also saw the introduction of two new categories: Wedding Venue of the Year and the B&B of the Year Award.

One of the North’s best-loved comedians and actors, Justin Moorhouse, announced the winners.

This year, due to the high standard of entries, an unprecedented number of finalists were shortlisted in the competition and nearly 400 guests gathered to hear the winners announced and enjoy a three-course dinner served by Rowley’s Offside at Cartmel Racecourse.

Each category winner received a certificate and a specially commissioned award handcrafted by award-winning architectural and sculptural metalworkers Chris Brammall Ltd in Ulverston.

Many of the winners from the awards will go on to represent the county at the Visit England Awards for Excellence in 2017.