Northumberland is in the running to win major prize

The shortlists across the various categories have been unveiled for the 2016 Family Traveller Awards, following thousands of nominations.

Northumberland has been named as one of the contenders in the Best UK Region for Families section.

On top of this, The Alnwick Garden is in the running for Best UK Day Out/Attraction, while Kielder Water and Forest Park is up for Best UK Accommodation – Group.

The winners will be decided by a public vote and people are being urged to show their support, prior to the deadline next month. It is the second time that Northumberland has been shortlisted in the awards.

Recognition in the Traveller Awards further shines the spotlight on the county, with Northumberland already in the running to be crowned Best UK Holiday County/Destination in the 2016 British Travel Awards.

Jude Leitch, director of Northumberland Tourism, said: “Family Traveller magazine is a respected resource for family holidays, so we are thrilled that Northumberland has been nominated, once again, in their annual awards.

“More and more families are choosing to holiday in Northumberland. In recent years we’ve seen a 36 per cent increase in families travelling with children.

“They enjoy our exciting attractions, clean open beaches and a wide range of fun activities.

“Added to nominations for two of our most important tourist attractions, it shows Northumberland has something really great to offer families, and will leave them with wonderful memories of their UK holiday.”

The first Family Traveller Awards was last year. Having launched in the summer of 2015, it was greeted with an abundance of support from the travel industry and the public alike.

To vote for Northumberland, The Alnwick Garden and Kielder, visit familytraveller.com/family-traveller-awards/awards- categories/

Voting closes on Tuesday, September 20. People can show their support, by using #VoteNland on social media.

People can also vote for Northumberland in the 2016 British Travel Awards at www.visitnorthumberland.com/sharenland and the deadline is Friday, September 30.