Tension is mounting for several North Cornwall businesses who have reached the final shortlist in this year's Cornwall Tourism Awards.

Each has been named among the top three contenders in their respective categories, and is now assured of at least a Bronze award at the ceremony, organised by VisitCornwall in Newquay on Thursday, October 16.

In Bude, the local Tourist Information Centre is now officially one of the county's best, while the Wooda Farm Caravan park is also shortlisted.

Bude TIC manager Birgit Dell said: "We are simply delighted. We weren't going to enter at all this year, as we've been going through a re-vamp and extension of the TIC, but a phone call from VisitCornwall convinced us we should nonetheless. Whichever award we pick up in the end, I'm very, very proud of my girls."

Graeme Colwill of Wooda Farm agreed: "We feel very proud that the hard work undertaken in making Wooda an enjoyable place to stay has been recognised. We look forward to finding out our placing on October 16."

Boscastle's renaissance continues with the news that the 'Boscastle Gold Group', comprising five Green Tourism award-winning B&Bs, has been shortlisted for Sustaina­bility: the first ever joint entry to reach the final shortlist.

A group spokesperson said: "More than anyone, the people and businesses of Boscastle recognise the need for sustainable tourism in Cornwall. This nomination is a tribute to a community, working together to improve life for visitors and ourselves."

Near Camelford, Helsbury Park is among the best holiday parks, while Kings Acre reaches the final for B&B accommodation for the second year in succession.

Further East, four names in the Bodmin area, including Camel Valley Vineyard and the town's own Tourist Information Centre, are also in ­contention.

Announcing the 'top three' lists, Teresa Timms of VisitCornwall added: "Once again, these nominations underline the quality, diversity and richness of holiday experience available in Cornwall. It's no wonder we're still the UK's favourite.

"Much like reaching an Olympic podium, just reaching the top three in these awards is a real achievement in itself, and means a company has overcome some very strong competition. Every one of these finalists is a worthy winner."

For further information go to http://www.cornwalltouris">www.cornwalltouris mawards.com