SEVERAL West Devon businesses have been chosen for the finals of the Devon Tourism Awards, which will be presented at a prestigious ceremony next month.

There are 12 categories in the competition which has grown in stature since it was first launched in 2010 to celebrate the cream of the Devon tourism industry.

More businesses have applied for the competition than ever before with 37 finalists selected.

Among those from West Devon who have been selected are the The Arundell Arms Hotel at Lifton, which has been nominated for three awards, while The Horn of Plenty Hotel at Gulworthy and the Northcote Manor Country House Hotel at Umberleigh have been nominated for two awards each.

Other West Devon nominees are Eastcott Vineyard, Okehampton and The Old Rectory Caravan and Camping park, Gulworthy.

 The best business will be selected from the 12 categories for the coveted 'Winner of Winners Award'.

The winners will be announced at a spectacular awards ceremony which will be hosted by BBC Radio Devon's Judy Spiers on November 22 at the Saunton Sands Hotel in North Devon.

Successful businesses in the Devon Awards will then be fast tracked into the South West Tourism Excellence Awards in February 2013 and then possibly on to the National Visit England Awards later in 2013.

The chairman of the Devon Tourism Partnership, Laura Holt, says that the popularity of the awards reflect the wide range of high quality tourism businesses available in Devon which can take on the best in the UK.

Finalists:?Tourism event of the year — Agatha Christie Festival, English Riviera; Devon Tour of Britain, Devon; Fishstock, Brixham.

Holiday Park of the Year — Cofton Country Holidays, Dawlish; Devon Cliffs Holiday Park, Exmouth; Finlake Holiday Park, Chudleigh; Oakdown Country Holiday Park, Sidmouth; The Old Rectory Caravan and Camping park, Gulworthy.

Hotel of the Year — Arundell Arms Hotel, Lifton; Gidleigh Park, Chagford; The Horn of Plenty, Gulworthy; Lincombe Hall Hotel, Torquay; Northcote Manor Country House Hotel, Umberleigh.

Taste of Devon award — The Horn of Plenty, Gulworthy; The Lazy Toad, Brampford Speke; Northcote Manor Country House Hotel, Umberleigh; Riverford Field Kitchen, Buckfastleigh.

 Best Tourism Activity, Sport and Experience of the Year — Arundell Arms Hotel, Lifton; Calvert Trust Exmoor, Kentisbury; Eastcott Vineyard, Okehampton; Rock and Rapid Adventures, South Molton.

Business Tourism award sponsored by Meet Devon —Arundell Arms Hotel, Lifton; Best Western Tiverton Hotel, Tiverton.