YORKSHIRE'S tourist businesses were celebrated at an awards ceremony yesterday.

The winners of the Yorkshire Tourist Board (YTB) White Rose Awards for Tourism attended a ceremony at the Magna Science Centre, near Rotherham.

Organisers declared the event the best in the scheme's 18-year history as 94 finalists competed for 17 coveted accolades.

A black tie gala dinner followed a champagne reception and the evening was compered by BBC Look North's Harry Gration and Christa Ackroyd.

David Andrews, YTB chief executive, presented the awards accompanied by a representative from each category's sponsor.

North Yorkshire fared well with many of the county's tourism businesses shortlisted as finalists.

And there were five winners from the county. Swinton Park, Masham, won the Taste of Yorkshire Award and the General Tarleton Inn, Ferrensby, near Knaresborough, was named Yorkshire Pub of the Year.

The Self Catering Holiday of the Year award went to Rudding Gates Apartments, Harrogate and York Minister won Tourism Website of the Year.

And Farmhouse Preserves, in Crayke, was crowned Best Newcomer to Tourism. The business has a 100 products in its range and supplies customers like The Ritz and Harvey Nichols as well as local shops.

Richard Williams, owner and manager, said: "It feels pretty good. Especially after the work that has gone in. It's quite a unique place that we have got down here."

Mr Williams works with other local producers such as Thornhill Dexter Beef and Taste Tradition, which supply his caf with meat.

And his premises is decorated with flowers from The Plant Smiths who also sell their wares in his shop.

"I'm very big on collaboration," said Mr Williams. "I believe with a passion that rural communities have to work together to survive."

Winners in 14 of the 17 categories will now go forward to represent Yorkshire in the national Enjoy England Awards for Excellence organised by VisitBritain.