FIVE York B&Bs are battling it out to be named best in the city.

The shortlist for the best B&B competition has been announced by the city's tourism body, Visit York.

The Bar Convent, Bishops B&B, Carlton House, Deighton Lodge and The Golden Fleece are now all in the running for the coveted title.

Visit York's Tourism Ambassador Damian Cruden, from the Theatre Royal, said: "We’ve all got fond memories of a place we stayed where the owners made us feel very special.

"It’s so important for all of us in business in the city that our visitors have a happy and comfortable stay and I’d like to personally congratulate our five finalists and wish them all the best of luck."

B&B owner Melanie Richardson, from Carlton House, said they were delighted to be shortlisted again, and hoped to win the title they took in 2008.

"We have been working really hard to win the title. We have refurbished and always try to give that extra bit of personal service."

For the first time, York’s best B&B will be decided upon by the great British public. Votes can be registered online on visityork.org, on facebook.com/visityork or Twitter using the hashtag #faveyorkbnb.

Kate McMullen, head of Visit York, urged people to vote for their favourite and added: ‘York has a superb range of quality bed and breakfasts and this award will no doubt be fiercely contested. It’s down to the public now to decide on the winner and we’re excited to find who this will be.

"In a growing global tourism market, it’s vitally important we recognise and acknowledge excellence to ensure York retains its competitive edge."

The B&B award is one of 13 that form the Visit York awards. They will recognise large and small visitor attractions, visitor experiences, cafes, restaurants, shopping, conference venues, hotels, caravan parks, self catering accommodation, and outstanding customer service.

A black tie awards ceremony announcing all 14 tourism awards winners will be held on Thursday, May 8 in the Station Hall at the National Railway Museum, when the city's next Tourism Ambassador will also be announced.

Winners will have the opportunity to then go forward to the regional White Rose Awards and national Visit England Awards for Excellence.