SEVERAL East Lancashire businesses are in the running for major recognition after being nominated in the county's tourism awards.

The Lancashire and Blackpool tourism awards will take place at Ribby Hall on June 10, when the winners in the 13 categories will be announced.

East Lancashire has 13 businesses nominated, including the Ribble Valley Food Trail, which recently won a national award, Helmshore Mills Textile Museum and Oswaldtwistle Mills.

Mike Wilkinson, chief executive of Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board said: "This year the applications have been impressive particularly as they reflect heightened levels of creativity and quality of service, setting inspiring benchmarks for tourism businesses across Lancashire."

Three local restaurants are up for the Taste Lancashire award, The Carmen Rose, Ribchester, The Fisherman's Retreat, Ramsbottom and La Locanda Ristorante Italiano, Gisburn.

Clough Bottom Farm cottages, Bashall Eaves, and Malkin Tower Farm holiday cottages, Blacko, are both nominated for the sustainable tourism award and the self catering award.

Peter Mearns, executive director of marketing and communications at the North West Development Agency (NWDA), said: "The increasing interest in holidaying at home is great news for the industry, but we must continue to ensure that we are offering the best quality experiences to our visitors.

"These awards are helping to raise standards across the region, making sure that Lancashire and the North West can compete with the best of the best across the UK and internationally."

The other East Lancashire business nominated are Mytton Fold Hotel and Golf complex, Langho (small hotel of the year), Old Stables at Tippett Farm, Cowpe and Proven House, Longridge (self catering).

Bed and Breakfast/Guest Accommodation of the Year

The Ashton, Lancaster; The Cartford Inn, Little Eccleston; Howarth House, St Annes; Little Stubbins B&B, Claughton-on-Brock.

Small Hotel of the Year

Crofters Hotel, Garstang; Mytton Fold Hotel and Golf Complex, Langho; West Tower Country House Hotel, Aughton.

Large Hotel of the Year

Best Western Premier Leyland Hotel, Leyland; The Midland Hotel, Morecambe; Preston Marriott Hotel.

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year

Chapel Gallery, Ormskirk; Helmshore Mills Textile Museum; Lancaster Canal Packet Boats; Old Holly Farm, Garstang.

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year

Blackpool Tower & Circus; Blackpool Zoo; Pleasure Beach, Blackpool; WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Near Ormskirk.

Caravan Holiday Park and Holiday Village Award

Eastham Hall Caravan Park, Lytham St Annes; Hawthorns Park, Nr Carnforth; Sunset Park, Hambleton; Windy Harbour Holiday Park, Little Singleton.

Self Catering/Serviced Apartments Award

Clough Bottom Farm Cottages, Bashall Eaves; Malkin Tower Farm Holiday Cottages, Blacko; Old Stables at Tippett Farm, Rossendale; Proven House, Longridge.

Taste Lancashire Award

The Carmen Rose, Ribchester; The Fisherman's Retreat, Rossendale; Homestead Farm's Shop, Holmeswood; La Locanda Ristorante Italiano, Gisburn.

Business Tourism Award of the Year

Pleasure Beach, Blackpool; Preston Marriott Hotel; Ribby Hall Village, Wrea Green.

Sustainable Tourism Award

Clough Bottom Farm Cottages, Bashall Eaves; Malkin Tower Farm Holiday Cottages, Blacko; Number One, South Beach, Blackpool; Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool.

Access for All Tourism Award

Grand Theatre, Blackpool; Oswaldtwistle Mills Shopping Village; Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool; Wyresdale Wheels for All Partnership, Wyre.

Best Tourism Experience of the Year

Dukes at Williamson Park, Lancaster; Farmaggedon at Farmer Ted's Farm Park, Ormskirk; Ribble Valley Food Trail; Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool.