AWARD-WINNING restaurateur Sue Milverton is calling on firms in the district to enter tourism awards for the South-West because of benefits the scheme brings to the winners and the area.

Sue, who runs Clavelshay Barn at North Petherton, was highly commended in the Taste of the South West category in the 2014-15 South West Tourism Excellence Awards and says the award brought new custom.

She said: “Just as important as the benefit to our business is the good that these awards do for the tourism industry in the district and the county as they highlight what a wonderful range of food and drink we have to offer here.”

Sedgemoor District Council tourism officer Vicky Banham said that following the poor spring some tourism businesses had last year, when people thought the whole county was under water, it would be good to put Somerset on the map for all the right reasons this year.

She said: “Traditionally, Somerset has been a bit shy about blowing its own trumpet which is why many of last year’s awards went to businesses from other counties.

“I am sure we have just as many potential winners here if the accommodation providers, pubs, restaurants and attractions could be persuaded to enter these awards.”

The awards cover the whole South-West along with the linked awards programmes in Devon, Dorset and Cornwall. Last year there were more than 425 entries with 19 going on to be national finalists.

New categories this year include an award for spas and wellbeing, active and sporting experience, artistic, cultural and learning experience and international visitor experience.

The deadline for entering is midnight on June 12 but businesses are encouraged to start preparing now.

The awards are run in conjunction with South West Water and details of the tourism awards, along with details of how to enter, top tips and entry forms can be found at www.southwesttourismawards.org.uk