************************* Two homegrown highlights of York Theatre Royal's 2008 programme have been recognised at the glittering York Tourism Awards held at York Racecourse. York Theatre Royal’s production of The Railway Children staged at the National Railway Museum received the prestigious ‘Visit York Visitor Experience of the Year’ after over 24,000 visitors attended the production and it was showered with triumphant reviews. Meanwhile Berwick Kaler and the York Theatre Royal Pantomime received the 'Visit York Ambassador of the Year' award. As the city's beloved Dame for over 30 Years the award recognised 2008's Dick Turpin for its record audience attendance and acclaim from both local and national press. "York is the best place on earth to visit and the best place on the planet to live. I'd like to thank the people of York for supporting the pantomime for 30 years. I've enjoyed every minute and am over the moon to have won the York Ambassador award. See you in December for Humpty Dumpty." Berwick Kaler "For 30 years Berwick and the brilliant casts, production teams and staff of the Theatre Royal have brought fun, laughter and a real sense of community to families in York at Christmas time. The annual York Theatre Royal pantomime is recognised nationally and internationally and is a huge asset to the City - to local residents and York's tourism industry. We are really delighted that Berwick and the YTR pantomime have received this recognition from Visit York." Damian Cruden - Artistic Director **************************