STARS of Kent's £1 billion tourist industry were honoured at a sparkling awards night.

They ranged from a castle to a three-bedroomed bed and breakfast guest house.

Eight titles were up for grabs in the first Kent Tourism Alliance awards. All businesses contributing to tourism in the county were eligible to enter.

The best tourist attraction, won by Leeds Castle, near Maidstone, as decided by Kent Messenger Group readers who took part in a county-wide poll conducted through the company's newspapers.

The judges were looking for high standards in quality, customer service, innovation and initiative. The Alliance was formed in April to help the county's tourism industry to recover from the double-setbacks of the foot and mouth epidemic and September 11 atrocity. The Awards for Excellence were launched to give added impetus to the £2 million campaign.

The gala night at Leeds Castle was sponsored by Hoverspeed and supported by the Kent Messenger Group. GMTV breakfast presenter Penny Smith hosted the evening.

Kent Tourism Alliance is one of the first organisations of its kind in Britain and has a budget of about £2 million in its first year. It brings together private businesses and local councils.

AWARDS

Top attraction: Leeds Castle has history, a beautiful setting, attractions which range from mazes to an aviary, a packed calendar of events throughout the year and is one of the UK's top tourist attractions. Its chief executive, Paul Sabin, is a member of Tony Blair's Tourism Cabinet. The runner-up was Chatham's Historic Dockyard. Highly Commended: Canterbury Cathedral, Hop Farm Country Park, Howletts and Port Lympne animal parks, Bluewater, Goombridge Place, Dover Castle, Penshurst Place.

Tourism Initiative of the Year: Wired Host. This was a joint venture by Kent County Council's economic development unit, South-east England Tourist Board and Canterbury College. It offered marketing and computer training to visitor attractions and accommodation businesses in East Kent. The pilot project was so successful it is now being expanded across Kent.

Runner-up: White Cliffs Countryside Project.

Highly Commended: Arethusa Venture Centre, Medway, Heritage in-and-around Sevenoaks, Medway Ambassadors Scheme.

Hotel of the Year: Marriott Tudor Park, Bearsted. Another award for the 120-bedrom hotel near Maidstone which already has a hatfull - Marriott's London Hotel of the Year, Kent Business Awards customer service winner and Green Globe accreditation for environmental protection. And it helps raise thousands of pounds for Kent charities.

Runner-up: Wallett's Court Country House Hotel, St Margaret's-at-Cliffe. Highly Commended: Ashford International Hotel.

Self-Catering Holiday of the Year: Three Chimneys Farm Goudhurst. This four-star family business - a farm and five cottages in the heart of the Kent countryside - has been run by Marion Fuller since 1984. Regular refurbishment and old-fashioned high standards combine with modern marketing - a website in four languages which attracts 6,000 hits a month. Highly Commended: Ebury Hotel Cottages, Canterbury, Puddock Farm Pine Lodges, Romney Marsh.

Guest House of the Year: Officers Hill, College Road, Chatham. Carol Chambers has been offering bed and breakfast at this three-bedroom guest house inside the Historic Dockyard for four eyars and her high standards have already won a Four Diamond rating and a Silver Award.

Runner-up:Victoria Villa, Whitstable. Highly Commended: Lighthouse Inn, Capel-le-Ferne.

Caravan/Camping Park: Tanner Farm, Marden. Set in 150 acres, this 100-pitch site also offers bed and breakfast in a Tudor farmhouse. The business has been operating for 14 years and takes pride in conserving the natural beauty of its unspoilt environment. It has won gold in the David Bellamy Conservation Awards. Runner-up: Camping and Caravanning Club Site, Bekesbourne. Highly Commended: Ilack horse Farm, Densole, near Folkestone.

Tourism/Hospitality Student of the Year: Frances Britton, Canterbury Christ Church University College. Frances will graduate with degrees in both business studies and tourism and leisure studies. Department head Dr Chris Bull says she has achieved "the best First Class Honours degree we have ever awarded". Her studies included an investigation into the impact of foot and mouth on Kent tourism. Runner-up: Fiona Bergin, hospitality student, Thanet College.

Visitor Information Centre of the Year: Medway Centre, Rochester.

In 2001 this centre dealt with 400,000 visitors and inquiries. Staff have undertaken courses in green tourism, disability and deaf awareness, internet training and five of the nine speak French. Facilities at the wheelchair-friendly centre include a video area, art gallery, theatre and award winning toilets. Runner-up: Sevenoaks Highly Commended: Maidstone.

The judges were Cheryl Mvula (Kent Tourism Alliance), Nick Stevens (Hoverspeed), Simon Irwin (Kent Messenger Group), Lindsay Charlton (Meridian Broadcasting) and Hilary Moger (Kent County Council).