TATTON Park is proving it has the vision to succeed after being named as a finalist in top tourism awards.

The historic estate is vying for glory in the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category of the 2014 VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.

The awards ceremony is on May 12 at Cheltenham Racecourse, and finalists are guaranteed a gold, silver, bronze or highly commended award.

News of the place in the final is seen as recognition of the impact the Tatton Park Vision is having on the park’s success.

The park embarked more than a year ago on the Vision, a five-year plan to increase the attractions and activities on offer.

About 800,000 people visit the estate each year, a figure expected to rise to one million by 2016/17.

Brendan Flanagan, visitor economy, culture and Tatton Park manager said news of Tatton’s final spot reflected well on the park, its staff and Cheshire East.

Cheshire East Council leader Michael Jones said the national recognition for Tatton was richly deserved, and the estate was one of the “jewels in the crown” in the north west.