A MALTON hotel's cordiality towards canines has led to a nomination at the VisitEngland Awards 2016.

The Talbot Hotel is one of the nominees in the Dog Friendly Business of the Year category.

David Macdonald, manager at the Talbot, said that staff at the hotel aim to go beyond the basics such as dog bowls and dog treats at Christmas time, and that they actively encourage people to bring their pets.

"We make a nice open environment. It's not just a gimmick," he said. "It's about understanding what dog owners need and also about treating dogs, in many respects, as a guest in their own right."

The Talbot will go up against other dog-friendly establishments, including the Higher Wiscombe in Devon, the Old Swan & Minster Mill, near Witney in Oxfordshire, the Poston Mill Park, in Hereford, and the Sun Inn, in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria.

Mr Macdonald added: "Getting any kind of award is always encouraging. The wonderful thing about this award is that it matches the feedback we get from out guests. Of course, the kind of animals people bring to us are incredibly well-behaved."

The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence stretch back more than 25 years. According to their website, they aim to "recognise businesses that incorporate best practice and demonstrate excellence in customer service throughout their operation and celebrate the very best in quality and innovation."

Establishments are nominated in one of 16 categories which include everything from sustainable tourism to Pub of the year. This year, nine Yorkshire establishments feature in various categories.

This is not the Talbot's first experience with the awards - last year they were highly-commended in the Small Hotel of the Year category.

The winners of the VisitEngland 2016 awards will be announced at a black-tie award ceremony at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on Tuesday, March 8.