THE Bournemouth Tourism Awards next month will celebrate the best the resort has to offer.

Heart DJ Rich Clarke has been announced as host of the event, which takes place on Friday, February 27 at the Pavilion.

The awards, which have been running for eight years, recognise hotels, holiday parks, restaurants, night-time venues, visitor attractions and other businesses. The town was named the UK’s best coastal resort in the British Travel Awards 2014.

The Bournemouth awards feature 11 categories, including those for hotel and dining experiences, a Great Night Out title and the Unsung Hero Award.

Nominations have closed, judging is already underway and winners will be announced at the formal dinner and ceremony.

Paul Clarke, chair of the Bournemouth Accommodation and Hotel Association (BAHA), said: “These awards are a chance for us to say thank you to all of those businesses and individuals that help to make Bournemouth the cosmopolitan, lively and welcoming resort that residents and visitors know it to be.”

Cllr Lawrence Williams, Bournemouth council’s cabinet member for tourism, said: “It’s always a pleasure to hear about any business or individual that puts something back into the town and these awards provide the perfect opportunity to congratulate formally those who have employed their hard work and enthusiasm for the benefit of Bournemouth’s tourism industry.”

Presenter Rich Clarke has hosted concerts on some of the country’s biggest stages, including The Summertime Ball at Wembley Stadium and The Jingle Bell Ball at The O2 arena.

He regularly performs DJ sets at major clubs and events including supporting Robbie Williams on his Take The Crown Stadium Tour at Wembley Stadium.

Details are at the website bournemouth.co.uk/business/tourism-awards-2015