The shortlist for this year’s VisitEngland Awards for Excellence has been released, with the Pandora Inn among six Cornish businesses in the running.

Bosinver Farm Cottages in St Austell is hoping to take home the self catering holiday provider of the year award, with The Lost Gardens of Heligan aiming for the large visitor attraction of the Year award.

Hell Bay Hotel on the Isles of Scilly are in the running for the small hotel category, with Trethem Mill Touring Park near Truro aiming for the holiday park of the year award.

The Pandora Inn is also up for the best tourism pub award with Lower Barns Boutique B&B in St Austell up for best B&B and Kernock Cottages at Saltash in the running for the access for all tourism award. 

“This is fantastic news! We are doubly delighted as not only is this the second year we have made the final – but the Pandora is the only finalist from last year to get through again this year,” said John Milan, who, with Steve Bellman, has been at the helm of the Pandora since 1999.

Steve Bellman paid tribute to the Pandora’s team, led by managers Lester and Catherine Croft and chef Tom Milby.

“They, and all the team, do a superb job and work so hard to maintain the quality and service that makes the pub such a success,” he said.

As a finalist the Pandora now goes forward to the awards ceremony that is being held on May 11 in Gateshead.

The VisitEngland Awards attracted a total of 345 applications.

Steve added: "We will have to wait until the Awards Ceremony to find out which award we have won. We are guaranteed to receive either a Gold, Silver, Bronze or Highly Commended Award. Fingers crossed!"