ELAINE Townend, owner of Millers Tea Room And Farm Shop in Raywell, was a winner last year in Visit Hull And East Yorkshire's Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards (REYTAs) picking up the trophy for the best cuppas and refreshments.

"Winning a REYTA was not only an incredible achievement for us at the time, but it's been fantastic ever since, bringing tremendous benefits to the business.

"The REYTAs – and the work VHEY does – are a great way of raising the profile of the area, bringing more visitors to the region and to businesses like mine.

"It's wonderful to have our own awards. Before we had the REYTAs, there weren't tourism awards just for Hull and East Yorkshire, so it has been excellent to get our own. It's a fab way to shout about all the great things we have here.

"We have plenty to be proud of in our area – a great city with the Yorkshire Wolds and coast close by – and it's so important to keep talking about the region to keep those visitors coming in. We're the first town many visitors from overseas hit, being so close to P&O Ferries, and tourism is on the increase.

"These awards promote local business and local produce, attract people to us and keep them spending, giving a boost to our economy. This is particularly important for us being located in a rural village. My business employs 15 people so anything that helps to keep them in employment is welcome relief in today's tough economic climate.

"It's good for raising standards too – the Cuppa award last year introduced some healthy competition among tea rooms in the area. The Cuppa award was selected by customers and readers of the Mail – Millers received more than 2,000 votes. It was such a good feeling to win, and the added customer merit made it even more rewarding.

"I'll be entering four categories this year as the profile winning a REYTA has generated has been incredible. Since winning, I've been on the radio and in newspapers several times. It also gave me the confidence to go on to try for other awards. After I won a REYTA I tried my luck in the Women Of Achievement Awards… and won the established business trophy!

"To anyone that has not entered for this year's REYTAs, or is not sure if they are going to, my advice is just go for it. The final is a great night out and we'll be celebrating at the Spa, Bridlington this year. Millers started seeing results from the moment we were shortlisted and it has given me the belief in myself and my business to reach for even more."

For nomination forms visit www.visithulland eastyorkshire.com/reyta e-mail reyta@vhey.co.uk or call 01482 486600.