THE achievements of Cheshire’s top-performing tourism businesses were celebrated in style during this year’s Visit Chester & Cheshire Awards presentation evening.

The sell-out event at Chester Racecourse saw presenter Mark Durden-Smith announce the winning nominations across 14 categories.

He explained: “Excellence in all areas is essential for a business not only to survive but to thrive in these trying economic times.

“All tonight’s winners have demonstrated that a commitment to quality, standards and going that extra mile can spell success.

“All those involved in this year’s awards – whether winners or runners up – have helped cement Cheshire’s well-deserved and ever-growing reputation as a welcoming county.”

This year’s awards were organised by Visit Chester & Cheshire and supported by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), Trinity Mirror Cheshire and Virgin Trains.

Many of the winners qualify for the North West Tourism Awards, organised by the NWDA later this year.

Event of the Year: Nantwich Food & Drink Festival

Best Tourism Experience of the Year: Roman Tours, Chester

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year: Arley Hall & Gardens

Taste of Cheshire Award: Walk Mill, Waverton

Small Hotel of the Year: Peckforton Castle

Bed & Breakfast of the Year: Harrop Fold Farm, Macclesfield

Large Hotel of the Year: Carden Park Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa, Broxton

Sustainable Tourism Award: Carden Park Hotel

Excellence in Business Tourism: Carden Park Hotel

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year: Tatton Park, Knutsford

Access for All Tourism Award: Kerridge End Holiday Cottages, Macclesfield

Best Tourism Retail Business of the Year: Corks Out, Chester

Best Tourism Website of the Year: Blue Planet Aquarium, Ellesmere Port

Self-Catering Holiday of the Year: Kerridge End Holiday Cottages, Macclesfield