St.Helens celebrates with Tourism and Leisure stars

1st February 2010

St.Helens has hailed the stars of its growing tourism industry with an awards ceremony to celebrate the Borough’s talent for hospitality and leisure. A total of 12 awards were presented, selected by a panel of independent judges and covering a wide range of categories from Team of the Year to Unseen Hero.

Haydock Park Racecourse scored a double victory with awards for Most Outstanding Young Person, Eleanor Senior and Team of the Year, Haydock Park Racecourse – Operations Team. Tourism/Leisure Entrepreneur of the Year was won by Glenn Turner with the highly acclaimed NW National Golf and Country Club.

The prestigious 2009 St.Helens Ambassador award was presented to Gary Conley, the former miner and lead spokesperson for the passionate, committed and enthusiastic Focus Group of ex-miners from Sutton Manor Colliery who were responsible for nominating and the successful delivery of the award-winning Dream artwork.

Councillor Richard Ferry, Executive Member for Urban Regeneration, St.Helens Council, says: “We are justifiably proud of the way the tourism and leisure industry is growing in St.Helens and these awards show why we are successful – because of the hard work and dedication that businesses, organisations and individuals demonstrate throughout the year. It really is a privilege to be able to honour them in this way.”

Dickon White, Chair of the Tourism and Leisure Business Network and MD of Haydock Park, added: “Congratulations to the winners and all the nominees of these very well deserved awards. Without the commitment of all those who are involved in tourism and leisure in St.Helens we would not be where we are today – enjoying a reputation as a North West visitor destination of choice.”

Winners of the 2009 St.Helens Tourism and Leisure Awards:

Most Welcoming Receptionist (sponsored by The Mersey Partnership)

Emma Carter-Leigh – Renaissance Skincare & Beauty

Most Helpful Retail Assistant (sponsored by The World of Glass)

Valerie Park-Funnel – Marks & Spencer

Most Professional Sports and Leisure Person (sponsored by Central Training)

Colin Pownall – St.Helens Council

Most Professional Bar Person (sponsored by St.Helens Star)

Elaine Tabern – Houghwood Golf

Most Professional Waiter / Waitress (sponsored by The Citadel Arts Centre)

Joshua Cieslar – Thistle Haydock

The Unseen Hero (sponsored by Knowsley Safari Park)