THE Via Ferrata Experience at Honister Slate Mine is one of several Cumbrian tourist attractions to be shortlisted for the Enjoy England Awards 2012.

The slate mine in the Borrowdale Valley will compete against tourism experiences in Cheshire, Worcester, Yorkshire and Kent.

But spokesman Ellis Butcher said it was a credit to the work that has been done at the popular site in the wake of owner Mark Weir’s tragic death in a helicopter crash in March 2011.

He told The Westmorland Gazette: “Everybody is absolutely delighted that we have been recognised by the national tourism body. It is a credit to everyone’s hard work and determination to make the business a success after sadly losing Mark.

“We have probably had our worst 12 months in Honister’s history but to come out the other side and to be in this position to win an award is a great honour and even being shortlisted is a great accolade for us.”

The via ferrata offers an access route to the top of Fleetwith Pike and involves people scured by harnesses edging along the historic cliff-edge using metal ladders, hand rungs and bridges to reach the summit, which offers stunning views over Buttermere and Crummock.

In November Honister was fined £15,000 for an ‘unapproved deviation’ by Natural England but Mr Butcher said the company is working with Natural England and the Lake District National Park Authority to find an alternative and suitable route for all.

The Lakeland Climbing Centre was shortlisted for the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year award after major refurbishments and Ullswater Steamers’ David Hall has been named as a finalist in the Outstanding Customer Service category and the company are also up for the Sustainable Tourism Award.

Park Cliffe Caravan and Camping Estate at Windermere has been shortlisted for the Caravan Holiday Park/Holiday Village of the Year.

The awards ceremony will be held at Athena in Leicester on May 22.