THREE tourist attractions in the North-East have been shortlisted as finalists in a top national award.

Hartlepool's HMS Trincomalee, Sunderland's Museum and Winter Gardens and Seaham Hall Hotel and Serenity Spa have all made the shortlist in the Excellence in England Tourism Awards.

Organised by Enjoy England nationally, and regionally supported by Northumbria Tourist Board and One NorthEast, the competition recognises the quality of attractions and accommodation, new investment, customer satisfaction and access for all.

The North-East finalists were among 28 nationally unveiled at a ceremony in London and chosen from more than 100 nominated from each English region.

Judged in categories covering attractions, accommodation, websites and Tourist Information Centres, entrants were assessed against strict criteria set by VisitBritain and were called on by several mystery visitors.

HMS Trincomalee, was shortlisted in the Small Visitor Attraction category.

Bryn Hughes, general manager of the Trincomalee Trust, said: "This is wonderful news and I am proud that we have come this far."

The three attractions now go on to the national final, where a winner in each of ten categories will be announced at a ceremony to be held in Kensington Palace on April 22.

John Sargent, tourism manager at One NorthEast, said: "This was the first year we were involved in the competition and we are delighted that there has been such a strong showing from the region.

"It is very pleasing, for example, to see Sunderland's Winter Gardens being shortlisted alongside such prestigious attractions as the Imperial War Museum in Man- chester, and the National Gallery in London. I have high hopes for our entrants in the national final next month."