AN ECO-FRIENDLY hotel in Great Hallingbury has been nominated in two categories at the first-ever county tourism awards. Great Hallingbury Manor, which uses environmentally friendly products and has installed an energy-saving heat pump, has been recognise

AN ECO-FRIENDLY hotel in Great Hallingbury has been nominated in two categories at the first-ever county tourism awards.

Great Hallingbury Manor, which uses environmentally friendly products and has installed an energy-saving heat pump, has been recognised for its commitment to becoming a carbon-neutral resort in the Essex Tourism Awards 2009.

The hotel and restaurant will compete with the County Hotel in Chelmsford, Colchester Zoo and Old MacDonald's Farm in Brentwood for the competition's sustainable tourism award.

The manor, which is close to Stansted Airport, has also been nominated in the best small hotel category and faces stiff competition from the Maison Talbooth in Dedham.

The awards are organised by Archant - publishers of the Dunmow Broadcast - in conjunction with Essex County Council (ECC).

The Radisson SAS at Stansted Airport has been nominated in the best large hotel category along with the County Hotel and the Park Inn, Harlow.

The shortlist has been drawn up across 12 categories and recognises professionalism and expertise in the tourism industry as well as showcasing the best of Essex attractions.

Other Uttlesford nominations include Audley End House and Gardens which is up for the best large attraction award and the Saffron Walden Arts festival which features in the best festival or event category. Saffron Walden will also be hoping pick up the award for best tourist information centre.

Strategic tourism manager for ECC, Lisa Bone, said: "Visit Essex is very pleased to be sponsoring the first Essex Tourism Awards as we see them as a good opportunity to showcase Essex as a destination and what it has to offer.

"We feel that the awards can act as a tool to challenge negative perceptions of the county and position Essex higher in the minds of people when choosing a destination.

"The awards will help to encourage outstanding quality and reward those businesses who are passionate about the county and its tourism."

All nominees will now go through to judging for the finals, with the winners to be announced at the awards dinner on Thursday September 10 at the Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-on-Sea.