A LEADING figure in the town's tourism network says now is the time to shine a light on St Helens attractions after two were nominated for regional prizes.

St Helens Theatre Royal is up for the entertainment venue of the year and Darkstar Laser Tag has been shortlisted for the independent tourism business of the year at Liverpool City Region tourism awards.

It is the second year running that both venues ave been put forward.

The awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 18.

Theatre Royal faces competition from Liverpool's Royal Court, Empire and Philharmonic theatres, the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton and The Atkinson in Southport.

Darkstar will be competing with Brilliant Liverpool Tours, Liverpool Cycle Tours, The Beatles Fab Four Taxi Tours, Tate Shop, Mere Brook House and Port Sunlight Village Trust.

Lynn Ben-Yousef, of Darkstar, in the town centre, said: "This is such a fantastic achievement to be able to not only compete, but to be shortlisted ahead of some of the amazing attractions in Liverpool.

"It is the perfect time to shine a light on the town's tourism attractions and all of our achievements and assets at the heart of the town.

"I would also like to congratulate the Theatre Royal. It would be great to try to get the town behind the 'popular vote' for both venues this year."

Chantelle Nolan, manager of the Corporation Street theatre, said: "We are absolutely over the moon to be shortlisted for Entertainment Venue of the Year at the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards 2017.

"The team works hard to bring our audience the very best in entertainment making sure there is something for everyone to enjoy - from family shows, enchanting pantos and amazing musicals to the very best live music acts and award-winning comedians.

"Loyal support from our regular theatregoers has allowed us to give the theatre a makeover including a brand new box office and improved foyer area to improve our customer experience and we look forward to bringing many more exciting shows to the stage in 2017!"

For more information go to liverpoollep.org/awards-shortlist.