AN event organiser has cause for celebration after scooping a top award at the county’s annual tourism award ceremony.

Laura Johnson, creator of Blackburn-based Crafty Vintage, won the Lancashire Tourism Superstar 2017 at the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2017.

In the only award which is chosen by a public vote, she come out on top against two other finalists.

The winners of all the awards were announced at a glittering event at Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

Ms Johnson, who created the business in 2011, which organises vintage and craft events across Lancashire and further afield, said she was ‘ very honoured’ to win the award.

The Lower Darwen resident said: “I am very honoured to have won the prestigious award of Tourism Superstar 2017 and want to thank everyone who voted for me, also all of our makers, creators, and collectors who exhibit at our events and to all of our visitors who have helped to put Crafty Vintage on the map.

“We are now in the run up to our trio of Festive Markets at Wyresdale Park in Scorton, near Garstang on November 25 and November 26, Brockholes Nature Reserve on December 2 and December 3, ending with our grand finale at Holmes Mill in Clitheroe on December 10 when we will be celebrating our 100th event.”

.In total businesses from East Lancashire scooped 11 awards at the county’s annual tourism award ceremony.

Burnley businesses picked three awards including Bertram’s Restaurant which won the Taste Lancashire award.

Burnley’s Crow Wood received the Guest Accommodation award while horse charity HAPPA, based at Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe, picked up the Small Visitor Attraction award.

Browsholme Hall, in Clitheroe, picked up three awards, the Sustainable Tourism Award, Inclusive Tourism Award and Wedding Venue award.

The Spread Eagle, Sawley, won the dog friendly award while Whalley Warm and Dry received the Retail Experience award. The small tourism event award was handed to music festival Cloudspotting, in Slaidburn, and Potters Barn, Ribchester, received the Lancashire Cafe award.

Whitewell’s trial bike attraction Inch Perfect Trials won the visitor experience award and Tithe Barn in Clitheroe won a wedding venue award.