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Voting has opened for Visit England’s Tourism Superstar 2013.

Sally Randell tearoom manager at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham, is on the shortlist of 10. Vote for Sally until 8 March 2013 at www.mirror.co.uk/tourismsuperstar or www.fairhavengarden.co.uk.

Sally Randell celebrated her 25th anniversary at Fairhaven last year. She started work at the garden in 1987, making sandwiches and serving tea and cake in a building that was also the shop and ticket office. Sally has been part of the garden’s development into an award-winning visitor attraction and now manages the new ‘green’ tearoom, which opened in 2008.

“It is fantastic to be on the shortlist for Tourism Superstar 2013,” said Sally Randell, “I love working at Fairhaven; the garden is beautiful and the people I work with are like one big extended family. They are all tourism superstars. ”

Louise Rout, Manager, Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden said: “Sally really deserves to be on the shortlist for Visit England Tourism Superstar. She is always positive and has a wonderful sense of humour. Sally has been a vital support as we have steadily increased events and activity at the garden to develop it into a year-round attraction. She works really hard to cater for all customers including offering gluten free food, vegan and diabetic cakes. She really does go the extra mile to look after her customers. Regular visitors have their special orders, including one customer who eats ‘go ahead’ bars. Sally always keeps a couple hidden for him, just in case there is a rush on the bars.”

The Tourism Superstar award was launched last year as part of the first-ever English Tourism Week, and recognises those unsung heroes who go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure visitors to England have a priceless experience.  This year the award focuses on employees at English visitor attractions.

Everyone who votes will be entered into a prize draw to win a weekend break for two in Brighton, including dinner, attractions passes and tickets to a show.  Voting is open until 8 March 2013, and the winning Tourism Superstar will be announced during English Tourism Week 2013 (16-24 March).

For more information about Visit England’s Tourism Superstar see www.mirror.co.uk/tourismsuperstar.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, www.fairhavengarden.co.uk, t. 01603 270449. 

The garden is open daily all year from 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day and closes 4pm in the winter).  Garden entry is adult £6, concessions £5.50 and child £3.50 (under 5 free); free entry to tearoom, gift shop and plant sales. There is wheelchair access throughout the garden, including a Sensory Garden. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance, mobility scooters available. Dogs are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.

See related stories: 

Sally Randell Fairhaven Garden on VisitEngland Superstar Shortlist

CAST YOUR VOTES FOR ENGLAND’S TOURISM SUPERSTAR 2013!