By Pam McClounie

Last updated 11:41, Wednesday, 14 May 2008

THE winners of the 2008 Cumbria Tourism Awards were announced last night at a ceremony in Kendal.

Dozens of businesses and tourism professionals gathered at the Castle Green Hotel in Kendal to hear the winners announced by Radio Cumbria broadcaster Martin Plenderleith.

There were 19 categories in total, recognising excellence both in business and in people.

The Village Bakery in Melmerby, near Penrith, won the Taste of Cumbria Award and The Lodge at Brampton won the Self Catering Holiday of the Year award. Keswick’s Cumberland Pencil Museum scooped the Tourism Team of the Year award.

Six of the awards were dedicated to employees in tourism businesses who received a cheque for £200 and an engraved award, created by Jonathan Stamper from High Head Sculpture Valley.

The business award winners received a slate plaque designed by Honister Slate Mine.

Winners included businesses in Brampton, Penrith, Appleby, Keswick, Kendal, Windermere, Dalton in Furness, Kirkby Lonsdale, Kirkby Stephen and Sedbergh.

n See tomorrow’s News & Star for the complete list of winners.