From left: Journal assistant editor Sue Mason, Journal editor Roy Woodcock and Paul Vinsen

The Tickton Grange Hotel was the venue for Visit Hull & East Yorkshire's gala dinner to launch their Real Yorkshire Tourism awards, which will be presented for the first time in 2010.

The awards are open to businesses and people who work within businesses in Hull and the East Riding that contribute to the visitor economy. Janet Reuben, Chief Executive of VHEY, added: “This is the region’s chance to celebrate and recognise the great people and organisations that are contributing to this fantastic industry by nominating themselves or others."

A nomination form can be downloaded at www.realyorkshire.co.uk

At the launch night a special award was presented to Paul Duffen, chairman of Hull City, by VHEY’s Chairman, internationally-renowned playwright, John Godber. Janet Reuben said: "The Tigers’ incredible achievements in reaching the Premiership have done a phenomenal amount to put our region on the world map. They have helped to make Hull and East Yorkshire a destination of choice and I’m thrilled to be able to honour their great contribution to tourism in this way." Click under "related content" (right) for more images.