Visit Peak District & Derbyshire (VPD&D) is celebrating news that Chatsworth is to be the main sponsor and venue for its first-ever Excel Tourism Awards on Thursday March 4.

The Duke of Devonshire and Her Grace The Dowager Duchess of Devonshire - who will celebrate her 90th birthday on March 31 - are expected to attend as guests at the prestigious event, launched by the area's official tourist board to recognise and reward the unsung heroes and heroines of the tourism industry.

And tourism businesses are being urged not to miss the opportunity to take part in the high-profile evening, which will be held in the Carriage House Restaurant - since nominations close on January 31.

"We are delighted that Chatsworth has agreed to be our main sponsor - and particularly pleased that the Duke and Her Grace the Dowager Duchess are expecting to join us as our guests - for what promises to be a rewarding and enjoyable evening for all involved in our inaugural Excel Tourism Awards," said David James, Chief Executive of VPD&D.

"Our aim is to highlight the contribution made by people, rather than the organisations they work for, to demonstrate the wealth of quality and excellence we have within our tourism workforce.

"Tourism is a key player in the Derbyshire economy - worth around £1.4 billion a year and employing more than 24,000 people - and we're keen to reinforce its leading role by rewarding the efforts many of our operators make to provide the best possible experience for visitors.

"Time is fast running out for people wanting to submit nominations - they close at the end of the month - so I would urge anyone interested to contact us as soon as possible to make sure their nominees don't miss out."

Added the Duke of Devonshire: "Tourism is all about people - whether visitors, customers or those of us serving them. I am delighted these inaugural awards, celebrating the special quality of service and warmth of welcome in Derbyshire and the Peak District, will be held here at Chatsworth, and I encourage every tourism organisation to take part."

Nominations are being invited in ten categories:

• Outstanding Customer Care

• Young Manager of the Year

• Most Promising Student

• Most Promising Trainee

• Young Chef of the Year

• Tourism Young Achiever

• Team of the Year

• Best Volunteer

• Outstanding Contribution to Tourism

• Unsung hero

Anyone can be considered - from unsung heroes and volunteers who work quietly behind the scenes to high achievers making an outstanding contribution to tourism - and anyone can make a nomination.

The intention is that the Excel Tourism Awards will become an annual event, celebrating some of the most successful and dedicated people working in tourism in the Peak District & Derbyshire.

Nominations can be made by visiting www.visitpeakdistrict.com/excel, downloading and completing a nomination form, and e-mailing it or posting it to Lindsay Rae, Quality and Business Development Manager at Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, Crescent View, Hall Bank, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 6EN, lindsay.rae@visitpeakdistrict.com