ST HELENS businesses are invited to submit entries for the chance to attend an awards night which celebrates the region's best tourism organisations and individuals.

The Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards, sponsored by Liverpool ONE, is urging all award hopefuls to submit their entries now.

2016 saw the St Helens Theatre Royal shortlisted in the entertainment venue of the year category while Darkstar Laser Tag, in Central Street was nominated for the small visitor attraction of the year award.

More than 500 are expected to attend this year’s ceremony, taking place on May 18 at St George’s Hall, Liverpool.

This year’s event includes 16 categories: Hotel of the Year, Guest Accommodation or B & B of the Year, Serviced Apartment of the Year, Small Visitor Attraction of the Year, Large Visitor Attraction of the Year, Taste Liverpool, Small Tourism Event of the Year, Large Tourism Event of the Year, Tourism Experience of the Year, Bar/Pub of the Year, Excellence in Business Tourism, Entertainment Venue of the Year, Independent Tourism Business of the Year, Best Newcomer to the Visitor Economy, Tourism Star and Tourism Young Person.

Peter Sandman, head of visitor economy development at the Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, said: ‘‘These awards recognise quality across our vital tourism sector."

Deadline for entries is Thursday, January 26.

Further details and entry forms are on: lcrtourismawards.com, 0844 809 4399 or by emailing tourismawards@eventfulonline.com.