People considering UK Canal Boat Holidays may want to think about heading to the east of England, which has been highly commended for its efforts.

The region has been recognised at the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence, largely considered as the Oscars of the tourism industry.

BeWILDerwood in Norfolk received a silver medal in the large visitor attraction category, losing out to RHS Garden Wisley.

In total, 46 gold and silver winners were selected from more than 100 regional entries after being thoroughly assessed by travel journalists and other industry experts.

East of England Tourism's chairman Dr Derek Langslow commented: 'These awards are the highest accolades that the tourism industry can win.

'We are delighted that the excellence of the region has been recognised and our warmest congratulations go to our two award winners.

'VisitBritain reveals that despite disruption to travel in January due to snow, the number of overseas residents visiting the UK was four per cent higher compared with January 2009.