STARS of Kent's £1 billion tourist industry were honoured at a sparkling awards night.

They ranged from Leeds Castle, one of Britain's top attractions, to a three-bedroom bed and breakfast guest house.

All businesses contributing to tourism in the county were eligible to enter for the eight awards. The judges were looking for high standards in quality, customer service, innovation and initiative.

The Alliance was formed in April to help the county's tourism industry to recover from the double-setbacks of the foot and mouth epidemic and September 11 atrocity. The Awards for Excellence were launched to give added impetus to the £2 million campaign.

Bill Dix, Alliance chairman, said: "The awards have highlighted Kent's outstanding tourism enterprises and initiatives after this challenging time and we hope that they each stand as inspiration to others."

The gala night at Leeds Castle on Friday was sponsored by Hoverspeed and supported by the Kent Messenger Group. GMTV breakfast presenter Penny Smith hosted the evening.

The best tourist attraction, won by Leeds Castle, was decided by Kent Messenger Group readers who took part in a county-wide poll conducted through the newspapers.

Geoffrey Ede, Hoverspeed managing director, said: "Tourism is about providing people with an exceptional leisure experience and we are is proud to be associated with something that recognises excellence.

Tourist Attraction of the Year: Leeds Castle; runner-up: The Historic Dockyard, Chatham; highly commended: Canterbury Cathedral, Hop Farm Country Park, Howletts and Port Lympne animal parks, Bluewater, Goombridge Place, Dover Castle, Penshurst Place.Tourism Initiative of the Year: Wired Host (a joint venture which offered marketing and computer training to visitor attractions and accommodation businesses in East Kent); runner-up: White Cliffs Countryside Project; highly commended: Arethusa Venture Centre, Medway, Heritage in-and-around Sevenoaks, Medway Ambassadors Scheme. Hotel of the Year: Marriott Tudor Park, Bearsted; runner-up: Wallett's Court Country House Hotel, St. Margaret' s-at-Cliffe; highly commended: Ashford International Hotel. Self-Catering Holiday of the Year: Three Chimneys Farm, Goudhurst; highly commended: Ebury Hotel Cottages, Canterbury, Puddock Farm Pine Lodges, Romney Marsh. Guest House of the Year: Officers Hill, College Road, Chatham; runner-up:Victoria Villa, Whitstable; highly commended: Lighthouse Inn, Capel-le-Ferne. Caravan/Camping Park: Tanner Farm, Marden; runner-up: Camping and Caravanning Club site, Bekesbourne; highly commended: I lack horse Farm, Densole, near Folkestone. Tourism/Hospitality Student of the Year: Frances Britton, Canterbury Christ Church University College; runner-up: Fiona Bergin, hospitality student, Thanet College. Visitor Information Centre of the Year: Medway Centre, Rochester; runner-up: Sevenoaks; highly commended: Maidstone.