AWARD-WINNING TV chef Andi Oliver will host this year's Liverpool City Region (LCR) Tourism Awards.

Set to take place on May 16 at Liverpool Cathedral, the black-tie award ceremony aims to recognise excellence across Merseyside's tourism and hospitality industry.

With a rich and varied career in food and music, Andi is a regular face on the BBC and one of three main judges on the Great British Menu.

She told the Globe: “I am delighted to be hosting the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards 2019 in such a spectacular setting.

“I have very recently visited this wonderful city cooking with the amazing people who live and work here.

"So, I’ve seen for myself how the vibrant and varied tourism and hospitality industry across the region is thriving.

"These awards provide an excellent opportunity to celebrate this success.

"I am really looking forward to meeting all the award winners.”

This year there is 17 new categories to nominate your favourite businesses from across Wirral and beyond including the 'Hidden Gem' award which will be voted for by the public and recognise the region's best kept secret.

Cathryn O’Grady from Eventful, who organise the awards on behalf of LCR , said: “We are so excited to be delivering this year’s awards in a stunning new venue at Liverpool Cathedral and having Andi joining us will make it an event not to be missed.

“There are many amazing businesses in the city and it is only right that we take the time out to recognise and reward them and the individuals that make the City Region such a great place to live, work and visit.

“With the addition of the ‘Hidden Gem’ category this year we are delighted to be able to also recognise those businesses off the main tourism trail that add so much value to the region’s Visitor Economy.”

For more information and to get tickets for the awards visit www.lcrtourismawards.com or contact Eventful Events on tourismawards@eventfulonline.com or call 0844 809 4399.