LAUNCESTON'S Tourist Information Centre has been awarded a gold award for 'Tourist Information Service of the Year' at the South West Tourism Excellence Awards.

The results were presented last Thursday, at a black-tie event in the Great Hall of the Grand Pier at Weston-Super-Mare.

Launceston TIC was last year highly commended at the awards in the same category.

Manager Alison Jeffery said she and assistant manager Sarah Hiscock were 'very surprised and thrilled' with the result.

A gold award in the same category was also awarded to Salisbury Information Centre.

Alison added: "It is fantastic to be with Salisbury when you think about the size of the city and all its attractions.

"We thank the town council for its support and thank the residents and visitors who use us and support us. Without them we wouldn't be anywhere.

"We hope to continue to improve our service."

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.