EIGHT Craven finalists are vying for top spot in their respective categories in this year's White Rose Awards organised by Welcome to Yorkshire.

A record-breaking number of entries have been submitted for the awards which are the largest celebration of tourism in the UK.

170 businesses, individuals and organisations have entered this year’s competition –an increase of almost 20 per cent on the previous year.

Among the successful finalists are Settle Victoria Hall in the Arts and Culture Awards category.

Fighting it out for the Tourism Event of the Year category are Thornton Hal Farm Christmas Adventure, at Thornton in Craven. They are up against The Yorkshire Dales Food and Drink Festival which is held annually at Heslaker Farm, Skipton.

The Devonshire Fell Hotel, in Burnsall, is a finalist in Small Hotel of the Year, while the Devonshire Arms, at Bolton Abbey, hopes for success in the Large Hotel of the Year section. The hotel is up against the Coniston Hotel Country Estate and Spa, at Coniston Cold.

A finalist in Outstanding Customer Service Award is Beck Hall, at Malham, while Masons Campsite, in Appletreewick, hopes to be named Holiday Park of the Year.

The Awards recognise the very best of this county’s thriving tourism industry including pubs and restaurants, food and drink, hotels and caravan sites, visitor attractions, cultural events and customer service.

The year’s sparkling event - “Yorkshire’s Big Night Out” will see more than a thousand people celebrate at the Harrogate Convention Centre on Monday 12th November 2018.

Professor Colin Mellors, chair of the White Rose Award Judges, said: “Winning a White Rose Award is a real accolade for Yorkshire's tourism businesses and the task of shortlisting has been harder than ever.

"The standard of entries has been exceptional which is evidenced by the strength of the shortlists. It is testimony to the remarkable range and quality of the region's tourism offer. With such tough competition, and a record 170 entries, selecting the winners this year is going to be extremely difficult.”

Sir Gary Verity DL, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “The White Rose Awards are the largest and most prestigious in the UK’s hospitality and tourism industry and we have some really exciting finalists this year from both new and established businesses.

"The awards are a brilliant opportunity to shine the spotlight on the fantastic experiences to be had in Yorkshire. As well as the coveted gongs expect a night of first class entertainment - an event not to be missed.”