Pictured above: Pawel Pawlak 

Quality local craftsmanship and materials - as well as outstanding individuals and teams - will be showcased and celebrated at Visit Peak District & Derbyshire's prestigious Excel Tourism Awards 2011.

Semi-precious Derbyshire Blue John stone, fossil stone and locally-mined lead and copper will feature in all the trophies awarded to the unsung heroes and heroines of the local tourism industry at the official tourist board's Oscars-style presentation evening at Chatsworth on Thursday March 10.

This year's awards have been hand-crafted in the Ashbourne workshops of C W Sellors Fine Jewellery by Paul Barker, Metal Workshop Assistant Manager; Goldsmith Pawel Pawlak and Stone Technician Vanessa Woodhall.

They feature disc-shaped plinths, echoing the shape of the mill wheels once commonly found in Derbyshire. Blue John is included because it is unique to the Peak District and lead and copper are incorporated because of the long tradition of mining both metals in the area.

"We're thrilled that this year C W Sellors agreed to design and make the individual Excel Tourism Awards that will be given to all category winners," said David James, Chief Executive of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire.

"Not only are Sellors a well-known and respected local company, employing local craftsmen and women, they are also using local materials to fashion the awards - an excellent fit with our mission to promote everything that's special about the area to visitors at home and abroad.

"We're delighted that quality local craftsmanship and materials will be used to recognise and reward the very best people working in our local tourism industry, in categories ranging from Volunteer of the Year to Outstanding Contribution to Tourism.

"I'm sure the present Duke of Devonshire will appreciate the fact that the awards incorporate copper, which was once mined by his ancestor, the 4th Duke, at Ecton, and helped to finance The Crescent and its stable block - now the University of Derby Buxton.

"Its inclusion is very appropriate, given that the present Duke will join us at our forthcoming awards evening at Chatsworth, which promises to be a memorable and enjoyable occasion for everyone involved."  

Added Chris Sellors, Director of C W Sellors: "It is an absolute pleasure to be in a position to provide these awards, as it is important to recognise the impact the people behind the companies have, and the Excel Tourism Awards are a fantastic way to do this. 

"We felt it was important to use local materials when creating these trophies to help educate people about the importance of local gemstones and products, while ensuring the roots of the awards are kept within our beautiful area."

Awards will be presented in nine categories, and the winners will be revealed on the evening:

• Outstanding Customer Care

• Manager of the Year

• Most Promising Student/Trainee

• Event Planner of the Year

• Young Chef of the Year

• Volunteer of the Year

• Outstanding Contribution to Tourism

• Unsung Hero

• Team of the Year

Sponsors of the Excel Tourism Awards 2011 include the Derbyshire Economic Partnership, East Midlands Development Agency (emda), Chatsworth, Derbyshire Times Group of Newspapers, Derby College, C W Sellors, The Peacock at Rowsley, Sounds Commercial, The University of Derby, Robert Young Florists Ltd of Bakewell and the Clear Black Wine Company.