Farmer Parrs Stars in Tourism

The owner of a Fleetwood attraction has been honoured for an outstanding contribution to tourism.

James Parr, the driving force behind the successful Farmer Parrs Animal World, received the accolade at this year's Wyre Tourism Awards held in Garstang.

His was a special award tying in well with the theme of the event - Stars In Tourism - celebrating the extra dedication and achievements of local businesses in providing top quality attractions.

Assembled guests heard how Farmer Parrs had diversified from a dairy farm business into a a wonderful farm attraction that now includes the Fylde Country Life Museum, the Pottery Shop which creates some fantastic work made by autistic children and most recently a dance school with state of the art facilities.

Although a team effort, the association was keen to mark James' determination to drive the business forward with new ideas and innovative events.

An impressive 14 of the 24 accolades went to businesses from rural parts of the Wyre including Guys Thatched Hamlet in Bilsborrow for the way its extensive events programme encourages new and repeat visitors and Brooklands Retreat in Garstang, whose luxury accommodation, locally stocked restaurant and state of the art spa facilities have made it an exclusive and exceptional visitor experience.

Other winners included Fleetwood Market for its customer first policy and running 99 per cent occupancy at a time when markets in other areas are in significant decline, as well as Cleveley Mere in Forton for its eco-friendly and green tourism policy.

Categories covered everything from promotion to visitor access, community spirit to excellence in customer care.

Michael Taylor, Vice Chair of the Association, commented: "Year on year Wyre continues to boast better quality attractions and accommodation, no mean feat in these economic times.

"This time we judged the largest number of entries in the award's 20-year history and Wyre should consider itself lucky to have so many local entrepreneurs developing new, innovative businesses alongside existing concerns committed to finding new ways of moving forward.

"We also have outstanding frontline staff who deliver a warm and personal welcome. Our awards were aimed at thanking them all for their contributions."

And the winners were:

Event of the Year - Myerscough College Open Day and Country Fair

Event Programme of the Year - Guys Thatched Hamlet, Bilsborrow

Tourism in the Community - Cleveleys Seafront Partnership

Excellence in Visitor Facilities - Brooklands Retreat and Health Spa, Garstang

Star in Green Tourism - Cleveley Mere, Forton

Star Website of the Year - The Crofters Hotel

Star in Access for All - Hardhorn Breaks, Poulton

Star in Business Innovation - The Priory, Scorton

Star in Business Tourism - Garstang Country Hotel and Golf Club

Star in Promotion and Media - Langtrys 

Star in Business Excellence - The Barn, Scorton

Star Team in Customer Care - Fleetwood Market

Star in Customer Care - Alison Longton, of Old Holly Farm, Cabus

Excellence in Customer Care:

- Sandra Small, Blackpool Transport
- Pam Fishlock, The Garden Cottage, Beacon Fell
- Annette Malloy, Cobble Hey, Claughton
- Denise Faulkner, Queens Mansions, Bispham 

Star Volunteers:
- Tim Armit, Fleetwood Triathlon
- Bruce Crowther, Garstang Fairtrade
- Barry and Brenda Parker, Garstang
- Lynn Asphar, Fleetwood Museum 

Star Newcomers:
- Caldertop Cottages, Forest of Bowland
- Cafe Clove, Cleveleys

Outstanding Contribution to Wyre Tourism - James Parr of Farmer Parrs, Fleetwood

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