TWO cities in the region have proved that they are still tops when it comes to tourism.

York has been named the best holiday destination outside London in this year's Thomas Cook Travel Awards.

Newcastle recorded a creditable tenth in the same awards.

The award for York follows an accolade for the city's National Railway Museum, which was named as the European attraction of the year last month.

Councillor Derek Smallwood, executive cabinet member for the environment at City of York Council, said: "I am absolutely over the moon because this shows the exacting standards we set ourselves in keeping the city centre clean have earned their reward."

Other reasons given by tourists for visiting the city are its heritage, a relaxing atmosphere and leisure activities, including cruising on the River Ouse and days at the races.