THREE Wirral businesses have picked up prestigious honours at The Mersey Partnership's Annual Tourism Awards.

During a glittering ceremony at The BT Convention Centre in Liverpool on Thursday, Heron's Well Holiday Cottage in West Kirby retained the Self Catering Accommodation award, Merseytravel's U-boat Story at Woodside was crowned Small Visitor Attraction and The Wro in West Kirby won Bar of the Year for the second year running.

Cllr Chris Meaden, Wirral's cabinet member for Culture, Tourism and Leisure said: "My congratulations go to all our nominees and winners at what was a fantastic evening for Wirral.

"With 15 nominations across the full range of award categories it has been another strong year for tourism in the Borough.

"The fact that two of our winners won for the second year running in very competitive categories is proof, if it were needed, of the strength and quality of the tourism offer in Wirral."

The awards were organised by TMP, official tourist board for the Liverpool city region, and hosted by BBC Northwest Tonight presenter Ranvir Singh.

Wirral's visitor economy was worth £250million in 2009, highlighting its importance to the local economy.

Liverpool City Region's visitor economy currently generates visitor spend of £2.8billion and is responsible for approximately 41,000 jobs.

The LCR welcomes approximately 53 million visitors every year and is the sixth most popular UK city for overseas visitors.