FROM cosy tearooms to grand stately homes – East Yorkshire boasts some of the jewels of the UK's tourism industry.

With the stunning Burton Agnes Hall in one corner of the region, a beautiful coastline and a host of quirky pubs and restaurants scattered in between, there are many destinations for people wanting a special day out to remember.

Now, the Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards (REYTAs) is looking to shine a spotlight on the best attractions.

The awards, now in their second year, are bigger and better than before, and are widely recognised as helping to promote what our region has to offer, and giving tourism a welcome boost.

This year, the Mail is inviting its readers to vote for their favourites in two categories:

● Click here to vote for the Remarkable Pub award, which we are sponsoring

● Click here to vote for the Remarkable Experience category

Janet Reuben, chief executive of Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY), which is running the awards, said: "The awards are a real celebration of the magnificent tourism opportunities we have in our area.

"The REYTAs were launched last year and this year the number of entries has increased by 50 per cent."

This year, there were 150 applicants across the 11 different categories.

Mrs Reuben said there was fierce competition among the entrants, and she was thrilled so many took the time to enter.

She said: "The response has been excellent and the quality and variety of businesses that have been shortlisted for the awards represents the strength of the tourism industry in Hull and East Yorkshire.

"The fierce competition in every category shows the demand for winning an award."

For the team at VHEY, narrowing down the entrant to shortlists was a monster task in itself. Ms Reuben said: "When narrowing the entries down to the shortlist, we try to look from a visitor's perspective.

"We have some magnificent offers and experiences to give visitors."

The REYTAs honour the tourism industry and celebrate the achievements of businesses across Hull and the East Riding.

Tourism is a vital part of this area's economy, contributing more than £615 million annually.

About ten million visit the region each year and more than 15,000 people are employed in full-time, seasonal and part-time tourism jobs.

The 11 categories for the awards are Remarkably Cool, Remarkable East Yorkshire Breakfast, Remarkable Night's Sleep (Serviced), Remarkable Night's Sleep (Non-serviced), Remarkable Welcome, Remarkable Cuppa, Remarkable Food, Remarkable Pub, Remarkable Business, Remarkable Experience and Remarkable Newcomer.

The establishments in the running for the Remarkable Pub award are: The Star @ Sancton in Sancton; The Triton Inn in Brantingham; The Falling Stone in Thwing; The Country Park Inn in Hessle; The Burton Arms in Burton Fleming; and The Railway Inn in New Ellerby.

Ms Reuben said: "We all know pubs can often be the centre of a village and it is difficult times at the moment for a lot of businesses.

"We know pubs have been closing so we want to help celebrate the great things on offer in this region.

"These pubs are part and parcel of that offer.

"We wanted to support them and raise the profile for them.

"So that is why we are encouraging Mail readers to come forward and choose their favourite."

Alan Canvass, of Camra (Campaign for Real Ale), said: "Anything that promotes pubs in the area is a positive thing."

The awards are being sponsored by The Deep, P&O Ferries, First Hull Trains Business Travel, deliciouslyorkshire, The Moffat Centre for Travel and Tourism Business Development at Glasgow Caledonian University, Princes Quay, St Stephen's Shopping Centre and Strawberry.

So who do you think offers the best service, caters to your needs, serves the best pint, and deserves your vote?

Either vote online at www.this ishull.co.uk/bestpub, e-mail the name of your favourite from the shortlist to reyta@vhey.co.uk or fill in the coupon on this page and post it to REYTA, Mail News and Media, Blundell's Corner, Beverley Road, Hull, HU3 1XS.

Entries must be received by Friday, March 11.

The winners will be announced at a special event at The Spa in Bridlington on March 24.

There will be a champagne reception at 6.30pm followed by the awards ceremony at 7pm.

Tickets, priced £40, are available from Sophie Johnson on 01482 486601 or e-mail sophie.johnson@vhey.co.uk

● Click here to vote for the Remarkable Pub award, which we are sponsoring

● Click here to vote for the Remarkable Experience category