The Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust has won the Area Based Tourism Initiative of the year category in the Northern Ireland Tourist Board's 25th Tourism Awards.

Formally launched in February this year, the Trust is the first winner of the category, recently established by the NI Tourist Board in its aim to enhance Northern Ireland as an attractive visitor destination.

Trust director, Peter Harper, said: 'We're delighted with the award. It is recognition of the progress made by both the Trust and its predecessor, the Causeway Initiative, within the area.'

The Trust aims to 'promote environmental management and sustainable tourism' within an area stretching from Belfast Lough to Lough Foyle and inland to the River Bann and the foothills of the Sperrins. It contains three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty - Causeway Coast, Antrim Coast & Glens and North Derry - and part of a fourth - Sperrin.

Harper went on: 'There's no question that the majority of visitors to the area are attracted by the quality of the environment. If you've got a valuable resource then you make sure you look after it'.

The organisation will also be one of five local delivery agents for Peace II - The Natural Resource Rural Tourism Initiative, due to be launched in April and delivering over £2.5m to sustainable tourism projects within the Trust's area.

Funding for the Trust, based in Armoy, has been obtained from eight local authorities, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and the Environment and Heritage Service.