TWO Worcestershire hotels and a pair of boat specialists have scooped top prizes in the regional heat of a prestigious competition.

Evesham's Wood Norton Hall was crowned best small hotel of the year, with Brockencote Hall in Chaddesley Corbett, near Kidderminster, coming second, at Monday's Heart of England Tourist Board Excellence in Tourism Awards.

Stoke Prior's Black Prince Holidays and Alvechurch Boat Centres sailed away with gold and silver in the contest's hire craft operator category.

The four now go on to the national Safeway Excellence in England Awards for Tourism, taking place later this year.

Chief executive of the Heart of England Tourist Board, Beverley Nielsen said, faced with a phenomenal number of entries, choosing a shortlist was incredibly difficult.

"To receive an award is one of the highest official accolades awarded by the tourism industry," she said.

"The industry has worked especially hard to put the events of last year behind them and, as part of the recovery, it's even more important to recognise quality and distinctiveness.

"This will help us ensure visitors will come back time after time."

Heart of England Tourist Board chairman Sir William Lawrence agreed the diversity and quality demonstrated the passion of its members.

"The awards acknowledge the effort, determination and commitment they have shown," he said.