Two Coalville events and attractions have been highly commended at the Leicestershire Promotions Tourism and Hospitality Awards for 2021.

North West Leicestershire District Council's Cinema in the Park last summer was given an award in the Best Free Event section.

And the town centre Escape Coalville was commended in the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year category.

Cinema in the Park was held over late July and early August, attracting around 6,000 people in all over the 10-day event in Coalville Park.

Free showings of 30 much-loved films over ten days included Disney classics such as Aladdin and The Lion King, musicals, and the Harry Potter movies.

The first film bonanza was part of the council's activities for 2021 Love Parks Week and made innovative use of the Government's Welcome Back Fund, which was designed to help boost footfall in towns following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Escape Coalville is an Escape Rooms venue in the Belvoir Centre offering family fun or something to enjoy with friends.

The business was opened last year to offer something different to do in the town following the easing of the Covid-19 lockdown.

Adam Goodger, Company Director at Escape Coalville, said: "We're excited to bring something different to Coalville town centre.

"We're bringing this new experience to help support the regeneration of the town and shopping centre."

Three tourism businesses in North West Leicestershire were crowned winners at the awards.

Hastings Retreat, in Ashby, received the award for New Tourism Business whilst Moira's Timber Festival took home the Best Paid Event award and Greenwood Days, at Staunton Harold, received the Best Visitor Experience title.

Wild Minds was also highly commended in the New Tourism Business and Best Visitor Experience, along with Conkers in the Large attraction of the year category.

Councillor Tony Gillard, Portfolio Holder for Business at North West Leicestershire District Council's said: "It's great to see tourism businesses across the district being recognised for their efforts to generate vibrant and interesting visitor attractions in North West Leicestershire.

"We're very proud of how much culture and heritage we have in the district and I'd like to congratulate those who won and were highly commended who help to contribute to local tourism."