STARS of the local hospitality sector were singled out at the first Southampton & Region Hoteliers Association Hospitality Awards, sponsored by Cab My Ride.

The awards ceremony, hosted by drag artist Davina Sparkle, took place at Doubletree by Hilton Southampton Hotel and was attended by more than 120 hotel managers, staff, hospitality ambassadors and tourism companies.

The event raised more than £1,500 for FareShare – the UK’s largest charity fighting hunger and food waste. It saves good food from going to waste and redistributes it to frontline charities.

Guests on the night were greeted by an Indian drummer and entertainment included a glamorous female stilt-walker. There was also a photobooth, candy floss stall and gin station for the revellers

Nathan Chart, chair of the Hoteliers Association and general manager at Best Western Chilworth Manor Hotel, said: “The hospitality industry is key to our region and I’m thrilled with how positively these awards have been received, it’s been wonderful celebrating the success of so many great individuals and teams from across our industry and I am already looking forward to next year’s awards which promise to be even bigger.”

Richard Groome, vice-chair of association, founder of the awards and general manager at Doubletree by Hilton Southampton Hotel: “It was a wonderful way to recognise so many great achievements with so many passionate and worthy individuals to all the teams that work in the hotel industry in and around the city. It has made everyone feel so very proud for all those who have been specially nominated in 2018 and of course a massive well done to all those worthy finalists and 2018 winners.

“These awards have re-confirmed that Southampton and the surrounding areas are a great place to visit both for work and leisure, knowing that all our teams will give our guests a very warm welcome to the city and a memorable experience during their stays

The 10 winners on the evening were:

l Mentor of The Year (sponsored by The Marketing Collective) – Claus Christensen from Hilton at The Ageas Bowl Hotel.

l Rising Star of The Year (sponsored by Fire Hospitality) – Abigail Russell from Leonardo Royal Hotel Southampton Grand Harbour.

l Business in the Community Award (sponsored by Town or Country Serviced Apartments) – Doubletree by Hilton Southampton Hotel.

l Sales and Revenue Person of the Year Award (sponsored by ibookedonline) – Amy Ayers from Holiday Inn Winchester.

- Front of House Award – Viv Stockwell from Best Western Chilworth Manor Hotel.

- Heart of House Award – Angela Stutchbury from Leonardo Royal Hotel Southampton Grand Harbour.

- Young Chef of The Year Award (sponsored by City College Southampton) – Steven Cross from Best Western Chilworth Manor Hotel.

- Top Team of The Year Award (sponsored by West Quay Cars) – The Concierge Team from Leonardo Royal Hotel Southampton Grand Harbour.

- Lifetime Achievement Award (sponsored by ElemenTel) – Denise Blastock from Best Western Chilworth Manor Hotel.

- The Mayor’s Award (sponsored by The Southampton & Region Hoteliers Association) – Lorna Chatterley from DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Southampton.