THE very best of the county’s attractions and businesses, which together draw hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, have been nominated in the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2016.

Marketing Lancashire unveiled the prestigious finalists yesterday for the only Lancashire tourism-focused awards ceremony which will take place on November 10 at Blackburn Cathedral.

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An East Lancashire finalist in two categories is the Lady Teal, a five star luxury canal vessel which is moored at Reedley marina.

The boat offers fully crewed and catered breaks away on England’s canals and rivers.

Speaking about the nominations for best boutique accommodation and best visitor experience.

Owner Nick Mead said: “We’re thrilled to be recognised in this way.

“It’s our seventh season based near Burnley and we run tours from the end of March until October.

“We’re looking forward to the evening in Blackburn.”

Other nominees include Northcote in Langho for best hotel, Burnley Mechanics theatre and Mrs Dowson’s in Clayton-le-Dale for best small visitor attraction.

The East Lancashire Railway is up for best large attraction while the area has a clean sweep in the nominations for best tourism pub, the finalists being the Sparrowhawk in Fence and the Aspinall Arms and The Three Fishes, both in Whalley.

Browsholme Hall and The Tithe Barn, Clitheroe is a finalist for the sustainable tourism award.

Ruth Connor, chief executive of Marketing Lancashire said “We’re so pleased to be returning to Blackburn Cathedral and, from the list of finalists, it looks like it will be one of the most keenly contested for some years.”

For more information visit lancashiretourismawards.com.