THERE really is a warm welcome for visitors to Morecambe if the nominations for a recent competition are anything to go by. More than 130 entries have already been received for the 1996 'You're Welcome in Morecambe' contest which encourages tourists to vote for the person or place which made them feel most at home. One nomination in the competition, run by the resort's Warmth of Welcome Scheme, has really tugged the heartstrings of the organisers. Carly Bourne, a 10-year-old Bradford girl, has nominated Jean McLean who owns the Lakeland View Guest House on Clarendon Road in the town.

Part of a group of underprivileged children from Bradford, Carly wrote: "Jean was funny and very kind. She gave us our lunch free. She was like our very own mums. She played games with us and worked very hard just to please us."

Jean was delighted with the nomination. She said: "I didn't know they were nominating me. I'm just thrilled to think that people are so happy with us. I love doing what I do."

Organisers have also been overwhelmed by the level of nominations for one local restaurant. The Grove Restaurant has been nominated by more than 35 customers from all over the country.

Chris Morton, project co-ordinator of the Warmth of Welcome Scheme, said: "We are delighted with the level of interest shown in this year's competition but there are still plenty of welcoming and caring businesses not involved.

"I would urge anyone who has been really well looked after to nominate that business and get them the recognition they deserve for the sterling job they are doing."

The closing date for entries is July 7. Nomination forms are available from the Morecambe Tourist Information Centre or by calling (01524) 415608. The winner of the competition will sail away on a QE2 cruise.

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