A WIRRAL pub has been announced as a finalist in VisitEngland's annual national Awards for Excellence.

The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence champion the very best of England’s tourism industry celebrating quality, innovation, best practice and exceptional customer service.

The 48 finalists, announced following a rigorous judging process by handpicked tourism industry experts, now go on to compete in 15 core categories at the national awards, with the Caravan and Motorhome Club announced as headline sponsor. 

The Red Fox in Thornton Hough has been named as a finalist in the Pub of the Year category alongside The Acorn Inn in Dorset and Cornwall's The Peterville Inn. 

Other awards include Large Visitor Attraction of the Year, Small Hotel of the Year and New Tourism Business of the Year. 

Applications to the awards were put forward for judging from businesses including hotels, self-catering accommodation providers, B&Bs, glamping operators, visitor attractions, restaurants, pubs and museums.

All finalists are invited to attend the national awards ceremony, this year being held at Rum Warehouse at The Titanic Hotel, Liverpool on June 5, where Gold, Silver and Bronze winners will be announced at the black tie event.

A spokesperson for The Red Fox said: "We couldn’t have done this without our amazing team and wonderful customers so we would like to take this opportunity to thank you all."

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “I am always impressed by the tourism businesses who make it onto our list of finalists with their innovative approaches to ensuring people have the most amazing experiences whilst delivering outstanding customer service across England.  I congratulate all the finalists and wish them the very best of luck.”