THE best tourism employees in York have been rewarded in a special Oscar-style award ceremony.

The Tourism and Hospitality 2002 Awards for Excellence were presented last night at York Racecourse.

About 325 people attended the awards, which were open to all tourism and hospitality businesses in the York area. The awards had nine categories, including best chef, trainee of the year and best tourism employee.

Rish International Restaurant, Fossgate, scooped two of the awards. As well as Employer of the Year, head chef Michael Cushin picked up the award in the Chef category.

Best Restaurant/Bar staff went to Craig Turgoose, breakfast supervisor and wine waiter at Ramada Jarvis York.

Premier Lodge, which was nominated for four awards, was successful in the Housekeeping category with assistant housekeeper, Zena Coles.

A special award designed for staff who have a combined role, Person Friday, went to Christine Bedford, of the Dean Court Hotel, Duncombe Place, who handles accounts, administration and staff records at the hotel.

The Best Tourism Employee award was given to Sophie Pointon, museum manager at Barley Hall, Coffee Yard. Sara Staveley from York Marriott won in the Receptionist category.

Head Chef at Melton's Restaurant, Scarcroft Road, Adam Holliday won Best Department Manager. And Trainee of the Year went to Barry Hastwell, conference supervisor at The Parsonage Country House Hotel, Escrick.

Updated: 11:47 Tuesday, March 12, 2002