Alby gets a kick from ambassador role (From Warrington Guardian)

Alby gets a kick from ambassador role

THE mention of tourism awards for St Helens would certainly have raised a few chuckles not too long ago... but how times have changed!

For with thrilling racing from Haydock Park and all-action Saints often featuring on our TV schedules, plus vibrant new events like the recent massive Continental Market, the town's status as a great place to visit is growing rapidly.

Add to that top notch hotels like The Hilton, our newly bustling night life scene, enriched by the refurbished Theatre Royal, plus dynamic programming at the Citadel arts theatre and you have a winning formula to attract more and more people to spend their time and their money here.

On Friday the town saluted the best of the borough's growing tourism and leisure industry when the winners of the 2003 Tourism Awards stepped up to receive their accolades at a special event at Haydock Park Racecourse.

Around 300 people attended the gala presentation ceremony and dinner, the first such event of its kind to be held in the area. Individual awards hand-crafted at The World of Glass went to each of the 11 winners.

A special award went to martial arts ace Alby Bimpson who was named as Ambassador for St Helens, based on public nominations for the most friendly, helpful, professional and enthusiastic person who best promotes the borough. Alby, European Director for the International Kick Boxing Federation and World President of the Golden Belt Competition, tirelessly promotes martial arts at every level, from grassroots to the international stage, and also raises money for children's charities.

Annual event

Council Leader Marie Rimmer said: "This inaugural event was a spectacular success in every way and a prime example of the way we work in true partnership in St Helens, particularly with the private sector. In a sense, the ultimate winner on the night was the borough's ever expanding tourism and leisure industry, which was perfectly showcased by this fantastic occasion.

"We fully intend to make this an annual event to reward all those who work and train within the borough's tourism sector for their excellence and hard work. For without their daily commitment, enthusiasm, and professionalism we would not have a successful tourism industry at all. I have no doubt that next year we will get even more nominations and it will be even harder to decide on the winners".

The awards are one of the initiatives being developed by the St Helens Tourism and Leisure Business Network which was established to develop and promote the area's potential as a visitor destination. The network also has a key role to play with regard to driving forward the town's groundbreaking City Growth Strategy.

Adam Waterworth, General Manager of Haydock Park Racecourse and Chairman of the St Helens and Leisure Tourism Business network, said: "We are delighted by the success of these first ever St Helens Tourism and Leisure Awards.

"They are a fitting way of recognising the achievements, not just of the winners, but indeed of all those who were shortlisted for an award. These awards are a perfect example of everything St Helens has to offer its many visitors from the best in retail and leisure to top class food and arts venues, we really do have something for everyone".