YORK is to stage a glittering ceremony to award Oscars for achievement in the city's biggest industry.

For the second year running, York will present its own tourism awards - and they will be bigger and better.

The awards, launched last year, are to recognise the £250 million a year contribution made to the city by its tourism industry.

And the Evening Press, along with its own award-winning website, This Is York, are again sponsoring categories in the awards. The paper is sponsoring an exciting new category, Best Entertainment, in which tourists and local people can nominate their favourite local entertainment, including street performers. Main sponsors of the event are York-based train operators Northern Spirit. The awards will be held at the York Moat House Hotel on November 3.

PICTURE: Street entertainer Andy Baloney launches the York Tourism Awards today