HEROES of the local tourism industry had their hard work rewarded at an inaugural Oscars-style awards evening.

Visit Peak District and Derbyshire held the ceremony at Chatsworth, and Her Grace, the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire picking up a special Lifetime Achievement Award.

Around 170 guests, including the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, packed the Carriage House restaurant to see the Dowager Duchess receive her award for a major contribution showcasing quality and excellence.

It is hoped that the Excel Tourism Awards will now take place every year.

Main winners were: Outstanding Customer Care – Trevor Willdig, Marriott Breadsall Priory; Young Manager of the Year – Charlotte Spivey, The Maynard, Grindleford; Young Chef of the Year – Veronica Dixon, Marriott Breadsall Priory; Most Promising Student – Louise Reeves, The Old Hall Hotel, Buxton; Most Promising Trainee – Tim Turner, The National Trust Hardwick Hall; Tourism Young Achiever – Oliver Brown, Bluebell Dairy, Derby; Volunteer of the Year – Alan Barber, Crich Tramway Village; Team of the Year – Gulliver's Kingdom, Matlock Bath; Unsung Hero – Brian Gammon, East Lodge Hotel & Restaurant, Rowsley; Outstanding Contribution to Tourism – John Coulson, formerly of English Heritage, now marketing and events manager at the Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath.