BURNHAM-on-Sea is in the running to be named the most Coach Friendly Destination in the country.

The town was shortlisted as a finalist for the category earlier this month, which is one of the industry’s top accolades in the British Coach Tourism Awards 2020.

Burnham is competing against Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Tourism (BCP Tourism), Southport, Otley and Wells for the honour.

The nomination comes amid an ongoing project, led by Burnham-on-Sea Chamber of Trade, to encourage coach firms to bring visitors to the town.

The project is supported by local businesses, Burnham and Highbridge Town Council and Sedgemoor District and helped the town to secure the ‘Coach Friendly Destination of the Year’ award in 2016.

A spokesperson for Burnham Chamber of Trade, said: “We are delighted that Burnham has been shortlisted - it is great recognition for our town and those involved in the continuing work to attract coach firms and passengers here.

“Coach visitors coming to Burnham enjoy our town’s independent shops, the seafront, beach and local cafes.

“With a good sized coach parking area that is well located with easy reach of the town centre via a short and flat walk, Burnham is the perfect location for them.

The winner will be named at a special awards ceremony at the National Motorcycle Museum , in Birmingham on Wednesday, March 25.

Nominees for the Coach Friendly Destination award are selected based on their commitment to welcoming coaches, coach groups and coach drivers.

Steps they have taken to improve the coach-friendliness of their town, village, city or region over the previous 12 months are also taken into consideration.

This year’s judges, who boast decades of experience working in the coach tourism sector, include: John Wales, chairman of the Coach Tourism Association (CTA), Andy Warrender, coaching manager at the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK (CPT), Stuart Duddy (ex-DFDS Seaways, Eurotunnel and P&O Ferries) and and Ian Jefferies, director of Visit By Coach.

Mr Jefferies says: “There were some exceptional entries to this year’s awards, displaying understanding of group travel needs and how to gain the best value from this important resource.

“Many entries showed great innovation in their approach to group travel, which makes them stand out in such a busy market.

“Group travel is an important player within the tourism industry and these awards have highlighted not only the value of the coach sector, but also the commitment to quality and forward thinking from many within it.”

For more information visit www.britishcoachawards.co.uk.