Isle of Wight ferry firm Red Funnel has scooped a tourism award for excellence.

The company was named as the winner of the TXGB Trailblazer Award, at the annual VisitEngland ceremony.

Red Funnel was recognised for its efforts in driving inbound bookings through the business-to-business platform, also benefitting the domestic market.

The 20 Gold Award winners were announced at an evening ceremony on June 7, hosted by Alex Polizzi.

Read more: The Hotel Inspector at Shanklin's Gracellie on Isle of Wight

TV's Hotel Inspector was on the Island only last year, to visit Shanklin's Gracellie Hotel.

The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence have run for more than 30 years.

VisitEngland director Andrew Stokes said: “It is fantastic to come together as an industry to celebrate our world-class tourism businesses.

"Competition this year was fierce with customer service excellence evident across every category, thanks to the passion and dedication of individuals."

They celebrate and champion innovation, quality and best practice across the industry recognising businesses and individuals who raise the bar of England’s tourism offer.