THERE was success for the staff at Launceston Tourist Information Centre (TIC) and other local businesses when they attended the 2015 Cornwall Tourism Awards at the Headland Hotel, Newquay.

Launceston TIC was presented with the silver award for ‘Tourist Information Service of the Year’. The glass trophy was made in Launceston by Jo Downs and is on display in the TIC.

Now in its 14th year the awards saw a record number of entries, 172, and judging took place over six months with 111 judging visits to businesses.

This years tourism award winners were announced at a ceremony held in the Headland Hotel, Newquay, with guest appearances from Rosamund Barteau, daughter of Poldark author Winston Graham, and Cornish-born comedian Rory McGrath.

Bodmin’s Visitor Information Centre came home with the victory, receiving the gold award for ‘Tourist Information Service of the Year’.

Bodmin also celebrated silver for Glynn Barton Cottages in the ‘Self Catering’ awards.

There was great success for Whalesborough Cottages, Bude, whch came away with the gold award in ‘Dog Friendly Accommodation’ and the silver in the ‘Holiday Resorts and Large Self Catering’ category.

Bude also had a win from Wooda Farm Holiday Park, receiving a silver award in the ‘Camping and Caravanning Park’ group.

There were 24 categories in all, which cover everything from B&Bs, holiday parks, pubs and activity providers — there was also the inclusion this year of the new spa, wellbeing, tourism events and business and wedding venue categories.

The winners of the Cornwall Tourism Awards will now represent Cornwall in the South West Tourism Awards and, if successful, go through to the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2016.