THE Cathedral Hotel came out on top in the Sandy Balls Tourism and Hospitality Award category.

The city centre hotel and bar fought off stiff competition from the likes of Larmer Tree Festival and the Playhouse to win the prize.

Judge Les Robertson of Sandy Balls Holiday Centre said the firm had done a lot to support local businesses and and the city’s tourism industry through Pubwatch and the Business Improvement Distinct.

Boss Tony Negal said: “It’s fantastic. We have been trying for quite a few years.

“There’s a lot of community spirit in the team.”