The popular TV drama Vera and author Ann Cleeves, who wrote the book series, were awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award at February’s North East England Tourism Awards.

The hit crime drama, now in its 13th series, was awarded the title for the positive impact it has had on the region, thanks to filming in locations across the North East. Fans now flock to the region to discover the places where DCI Vera Stanhope solves her investigations, including Newcastle, Hexham, and Lindisfarne.

New attraction, The Spanish Gallery, in Bishop Auckland, part of The Auckland Project, also picked up the Gold award for Small Visitor Attraction of the Year.

Now in its 21st year of celebrating the region’s innovative and distinctive tourism and hospitality offer, the North East England Tourism Awards were delivered by Destination North East England and run in partnership with VisitEngland.

The awards celebrate quality, innovation, and best practice, showcasing the fantastic range of high-quality experiences on offer for visitors in the region.