The awards, run by tourist development agency Visit Hull and East Yorkshire, brought together more than 300 people to celebrate the best that East Riding's tourism industry has to offer.

RSPB Bempton took home the big prize of the Real Smile award, voted for by the public who were asked to choose their favourite overall tourist destination.

Manager at the site Ian Kendall said the award was extra special because it was voted for by the public.

"We are delighted to have won, especially when we saw the standard of the other finalists who we thought would be unbeatable.

"When we were announced as the winner we stayed in our seats, we couldn't believe it was us.

"It's fantastic that we've been voted for by the people who come and enjoy the site. The seabirds always seem to make people smile and our staff are very attentive in providing good customer service."

Wold Cottage at Wold Newton was the winner of the Real Yorkshire Breakfast award, recognising the best locally sourced breakfasts around.

Katrina Gray, owner of Wold Cottage along with her husband Derek, said: "It is a great honour to win the award, we were also nominated for the Real Night's Sleep award and a special commendation, so it was lovely to win one.

"We source our breakfasts as locally as possible. We use local flour to bake fresh bread every morning, bacon and sausages from Hunmanby, even local apple juice.

"These awards are great for tourism in the area and it shows that there is a lot of quality accomodation."

Joanne Long at Kilham Hall, which won the Real Night's Sleep (serviced) award, said: "We are delighted to have won the award, especially as the standard of the other finalists was so high.

It is great to be recognised and involved in the inaugural awards.

"It caps a great year. In November, we won the most excellent small hotel award in the UK and Ireland from Conde Nast Johansen's travel writers and inspectors."

John and Angela Foster, who run Field House Farm Cottages near Sewerby, said they were "thrilled" when they were announced as winners of the Real Night's Sleep (non-serviced) award.

"We try hard to do our very best for our customers and this accolade is a great reward for that," said Angela.

"It is always nice to win an award, especially when you consider how good the competition was for this one.

"It's also great for Bridlington, it's nice to attract new visitors to the area."

Greg Knight, the MP for East Yorkshire, was a special guest at the awards, held at Cottingham.

Mr Knight said the event was a "showcase for the East Riding" and that the standards set by the finalists was "extremely high".