YORK and District Hospitality Association has launched its Awards for Excellence following the success of last year's event.

Voting is well under way in the awards, which seek out the best employer, best employee, best student and best trainee in the city's tourism and hospitality industry.

The aim of the prestigious contest is not only to reward outstanding companies and individuals in the industry, but also to encourage more residents in York and North Yorkshire to consider a career within tourism and hospitality.

Winners and short-listed candidates will be invited to a glitzy awards ceremony at York Racecourse, on March 11, where Elly Fiorentini, of BBC Radio York, will act as compere.

The four main categories are:

1. York College Student of the Year - exclusive to the catering and leisure and tourism departments of York College (nominations made by selected tutors).

2. York Hospitality Association Employee in these categories - chefs, kitchen assistants; receptionists; housekeeping; restaurant and bar staff; supervisor; department manager; museums and attractions staff; and Person Friday.

3. York Tourism Training Trainee of the Year - open to anyone taking an NVQ in the tourism and hospitality industry with nominations to be made by tutors or employers.

4. Employer of the Year supported by First Stop York and York Tourism Training (sponsored by Denison Till) - any employee working within the industry in York can vote for their employer. The deadline for entries is Friday. Contact the hospitality association on 01904 635149 or log on to the website at www.jobsinyork.com

Updated: 11:36 Monday, February 11, 2002