Wingham Motel managers Debbie, Katherine and Roger Storey were over the moon when they were announced champions of the Best Standard Accommodation category during the presentation evening at Opal Cove Resort in Coffs Harbour on Saturday. It was the first award of any kind they had entered in - let alone won.

Bent on Food marked its fifth consecutive appearance at the North Coast tourism awards by taking out the Best Specialised Tourism Service in a joint bid with Bent on Life homeware store.

Bent on Food also won bronze in the Restaurant and Catering category - the section in which it is the reigning national tourism champion.

Artisan's Retreat of Mondrook nominated for the Best Unique Accomodation category, and though it missed out to Gaia Retreat and Spa of Byron Bay, owners Chris and Peter Calabria came home with a bronze medal.