FIRST-CLASS service saw a York restaurant become the first business to retain a hospitality "Oscar" award.

Rish, in Fossgate, scooped the prestigious Employer prize at the York Hospitality Awards for the second year running.

In a presentation evening in front of more than 300 people at York Racecourse, Rish came out on top in the main prize of the night.

Bosses at the Monkbar Hotel were also celebrating a triple triumph for staff, and Jeanette Hutchinson, of York Marriott, scooped the Evening Press Customer Care award.

The awards, handed out by the York Hospitality Association, are open to all tourism and hospitality-based businesses in the York area.

They reward the best staff, students and noteworthy employers in the York tourism industry. Maria Rish, who runs the restaurant with husband Sam, said: "We were really surprised. We never expected to win two years in a row.

"I think we are constantly getting better and we are never complacent. We had to convince the judges that we were better.

"When we found out, the whole place erupted. This award is for all the staff. Of course, we are delighted."

Of Jeanette, who won the Customer Care award, the judges said: "This candidate is completely customer-focused.

"This was obvious in the wide range of glowing nominations from both her customers and employers - a very worthy winner."

The Monkbar Hotel was celebrating Jenna Goodridge's win in the employee awards for receptionist of the year, Michael Ellis was named as the best bar waiter, and Neil Hudson triumphed in the "Person Friday" award.

Other prizes went to Suzanne Price, of the Novotel Hotel, for best supervisor, Brenda Mitchell, of Jorvik, took best tourism employee and Lesley Baines, of the Bar Convent, won the housekeeping prize.

Andrew Brabbs, from the Queens Hotel, scooped the trainee prize and Steven Little, of York Marriott, was named best chef/kitchen assistant.

Michael Hjort, who helped organise the annual ceremony, said: "The standard of entries this year was fantastic and we were overwhelmed by the number of nominations this year.

"This year saw nominations more than double that we have seen in the past for previous awards nights."

Updated: 10:56 Tuesday, April 08, 2003