It's a two-horse race in a tourism competition to find East Yorkshire's favourite pub.

The region's venues went head-to-head in the Visit Hull and East Yorkshire's Remarkable Tourism Awards (REYTAs).

Organisers introduced the Remarkable Pub category to recognise Hull and East Yorkshire's favourite pubs.

Mail readers are voting in an online poll and have so far narrowed the contest to a shortlist six top pubs.

Going head-to-head for the top spot are The Star in Sancton and The Falling Stone in Thwing.

Also on the shortlist are The Triton Inn, Brantingham; The Country Park Inn, Hessle; The Burton Arms, Burton Fleming and The Railway Inn in New Ellerby.

The Star's licensees Lindsey Cox and husband and chef Ben, both, 33, are counting on customers to get them to the top.

Mrs Cox said:"It is good for us because we depend on word of mouth by someone coming to us and getting their friends to the pub the next time round.

"We believe we have got our eye on the prize and hope we will win if people keep voting for us."

Paul Rusling, who runs the Triton Inn, said: "It's great news for staff and customers as well to hear we made the shortlist.

"It is very surprising because we did not know we had been nominated.

"People come here for special family occasions because we have a great homely atmosphere and we are proud to have been nominated."

The lineup in the hotly-contested awards could change before the March 11 deadline with more than 1,300 readers having voted so far.

The REYTAs put a spotlight to the region's tourism hotspots which include stately homes, quirky pubs and restaurants.

This year, more than 150 venues contested for 11 categories.

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

As well as choosing a favourite pub at the Mail's website, voters also have a chance to their favourite experience of the past year.

Attractions shortlisted in the category include the Larkin With Toads trail and the RSPB Bempton Cliffs bird haven in the East Riding.

Janet Reuben, chief executive of Visit Hull and East Yorkshire, said: 'The response to the REYTAs has been excellent across the whole region.

"Congratulations and good luck to everyone who has made the shortlist.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone involved in Hull and East Yorkshire's tourism industry."

Winners of the REYTAs will be revealed at a special event at The Spa in Bridlington on March 24.