The shortlists for this year's Lancashire and Blackpool Tourism Awards have been revealed.

The awards, organised by Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board, come a fortnight after two of last year's winners - Number One, Blackpool, the bed and breakfast winner and the Stanley House Hotel, small hotel winner - won their national categories at the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2007.

This year's Lancashire and Blackpool Tourism Awards, supported by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), will be held on Wednesday June 20 at De Vere Heritage Herons' Reach Hotel, Blackpool.

Mike Wilkinson, chief executive of Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board, said: "With Lancashire winning two of the 12 national categories, our 2007/08 shortlisted businesses are following a year of fantastic achievement when quality really shone through.

"This year's shortlist is equally packed full of quality which is tremendous for the future of the local industry.

"These are businesses performing well in their markets who show just what can be achieved with good marketing, investment in staff and a commitment to continuous business development.

"We wish them well on June 20."

Peter Mearns, director of marketing and communications at the Northwest Regional Development Agency, said: "The NWDA is pleased to support the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourism Awards.

"Tourism is a major success story for the Northwest and Lancashire and Blackpool play a vital role in that success.

"These Tourism Awards are an excellent opportunity to recognise and reward the hard work and commitment of professionals in the industry, and as Lancashire continues to raise the bar year on year, I hope they will encourage more businesses to aspire to these exceptional standards.

"I look forward to some strong contenders from Lancashire going forward to the regional awards again later this year, and hopefully we will have some national award winners from the region in 2008."

Shortlists for the 2007/08 Lancashire and Blackpool Tourism Awards

Large Hotel of the Year (sponsored by Daniel Thwaites Brewery): Barton Grange Hotel, near Preston; De Vere Heritage Herons' Reach Hotel, Blackpool; Lancaster House Hotel, Lancaster; The Grand Hotel, Lytham St Annes.

Small Hotel of the Year (sponsored by Lancashire County Developments Ltd): The Millstone at Mellor, Mellor; The Pines Hotel, Clayton-le-Moors; The Shireburn Arms Hotel, Hurst Green.

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year (sponsored by University of Central Lancashire): Blackpool Zoo, Oswaldtwistle Mills Shopping Village, Oswaldtwistle; Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool; WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Burscough.

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year (sponsored by Sandcastle Waterpark): Cleveley Mere Fishing, near Forton; ILPH Penny Farm, Blackpool; Queens Street Mill Textile Museum, Burnley; Wyre Estuary Country Park, Thornton Cleveleys.

B&B/Guest Accommodation of the Year (sponsored by Visit Blackpool): Riverside Barn, Ribchester; The Berwick Hotel, Blackpool; The Priory, Scorton.

Caravan Holiday Park of the Year (sponsored by the Northwest Regional Development Agency): Marton Mere Holiday Village, Blackpool; Sunset Park, Hambleton.

Self Catering/Serviced Apartments Award (sponsor to be confirmed): Barnacre Cottages, Barnacre nr Garstang.

Clough Bottom Farm Cottages, Bashall Eaves, near Clitheroe; Malkin Tower Farm Holiday Cottages, Blacko, near Nelson.

Tourism Website of the Year (sponsored by New Mind Internet Consultancy): Blackpool Hotel and Guest House Association - www.blackpool-stay.co.uk; Grand Theatre, Blackpool - www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk; Lancaster City Council - www citycoastcountryside.co.uk; Wolfen Mill Country Retreats, Chipping - www.wolfenmill.co.uk.

Taste of Lancashire and Blackpool Award (sponsored by Made in Lancashire): Fence Gate Inn, Fence near Burnley; Kwizeen Restaurant, Blackpool; Port of Lancaster Smokehouse, Glasson; The Bay Horse Inn, near Forton.

Business Tourism Award of the Year (sponsored by Lancashire Economic Partnership): Bartle Hall Country Hotel, near Preston; De Vere Heritage Herons' Reach, Blackpool; GHS Enterprise Ltd, Preston; Pleasure Beach, Blackpool.

Best Tourism Experience of the Year Award (sponsored by Blackpool International Airport): Blackpool Illuminations Switch On; Garstang Walking Festival; Henry VIII Guided Tours, Samlesbury Hall, Samlesbury; Keeper for the Day, Blackpool Zoo.

Best Tourism Business Newcomer (sponsored by Welcome to Excellence): Singleton Maize Maze, Thistleton, near Kirkham; The Fat Giraffe, Padiham (restaurant); Willow Gifts and Nostalgic Tea Rooms, Poulton-le-Fylde.