THE wide variety of attractions, available to both visitors and residents, has been shown in the entries for the Waveney Sunrise Coast Tourism Awards.The awards are being organised by the Waveney Tourism Forum and are supported by the Lowestoft Journal and the Beccles and Bungay Journal.

THE wide variety of attractions, available to both visitors and residents, has been shown in the entries for the Waveney Sunrise Coast Tourism Awards.

The awards are being organised by the Waveney Tourism Forum and are supported by the Lowestoft Journal and the Beccles and Bungay Journal.

In the coming weeks the judging panel, made up of forum members and representatives of the Lowestoft Journal and Beccles and Bungay Journal, will have the difficult task of sifting through all the entries.

This year the high standard of entries shows why so many people chose to visit north Suffolk every year. It is estimated that more than four million visitors are attracted to the Waveney area every year and that tourism is worth at least £214m to the local economy.

Entries already received include those for Broadland Sands Holiday Park, Pontins Holiday Centre, Heathland Beach Caravan Park and the Broadland Holiday Village.

There has also been a great deal of support and nominations for the Winelodge at Lowestoft, Mill House at Oulton Broad, Catherine House in Lowestoft, Ivy House Hotel at Oulton Broad, Old Rectory Cottages at Flixton, Wherry Hotel at Oulton Broad, and the Hotel Victoria in Lowestoft.

Another organisation receiving plenty of support is the Upstairs Gallery in Exchange Square, Beccles.

Michelle Payne, an artist who opened the gallery in her home town last year, is delighted with its success.

“The gallery itself is a major success in the current climate.

For a small business it has had such huge interest from the media due to projects and involvement with our community.

“With 438 artists having exhibited to date and clients travelling worldwide for work at the gallery, there are many people that are part of our success. The gallery is also used as a tourism outlet for those visiting Beccles and we always inform the public and clients of the best places to visit,” said Michelle.

To nominate a business, fill in the form and send it to: Sunrise Coast Tourism Awards, The Journal, 147 London Road North, Lowestoft NR32 1NB.