THREE businesses have scooped honours in the national Enjoy England Awards For Excellence 2007.

The Star Inn, at Harome, and Perns of Helmsley scooped the gold award in the Taste Of England category; Harrogate International Centre won gold in the business tourism section, while Ashwall House, in Bulmer, near York, was awarded gold for Self-Catering Holiday Of The Year.

The winners were announced last night at a ceremony in London.

The Star Inn and Perns of Helmsley were praised for offering traditional British-style food with spiced up old favourites and local fare.

One of the judges described them as "quintessentially English".

Michelin-starred owner and chef Andrew Pern has expanded the business over the last 11 years to include a village shop, butchers, café and accommodation.

The Business Tourism Award was won by the Harrogate International Centre for its "forward-thinking" investment in the Queen's Suite, which opened in 2005.

This room is available for conferences and other business events and is fully equipped with a wide range of technical facilities including wireless internet access.

The judges said: "Constructed to the highest level, the Queen's Suite features the capability to adapt with new technology for years to come."

The centre was also praised for its accessibility, environmental awareness and integration into the community.

Bulmer-based Ashwall House came joint first in the self-catering category, along with an establishment in Devon.

Judges praised the house for its five-star accommodation, its landscaped gardens and lake, and snooker room.

Silver awards were also picked up by venues in the York area, with Ripley Castle, near Harrogate, coming second in the Best Small Attraction award, while Moorlands Country House, in Levisham, received silver in the Bed And Breakfast award.

David Andrews, chief executive of the Yorkshire Tourist Board, said: "It's excellent news for Yorkshire and a reflection of our quality product.

"We've topped the list in three very different areas, food, business and accommodation, plus we have picked up silver awards."