THE finalists have been announced for the hotly contested annual York tourism awards.

Venues including the National Railway Museum, in York, and the World of James Herriot, in Thirsk, will compete for the title of best attraction.

Other categories include best guest house, restaurant and shop.

This year, there is also an award for a tourism ambassador. This goes to someone who has gone beyond the call of duty to encourage more visitors to York.

Gillian Cruddas, chief executive of York Tourism Bureau, said: "This award is particularly difficult to judge because there are many individuals in the city who go out of their way to make York a tourist-friendly place.

"This award will go to someone who has demonstrated endless energy and commitment to our industry."

Clare Frisby, from BBC's Look North, and Tom Wright, chief executive of Visit Britain, will present the awards at York Racecourse on November 11.