The Tourism and Leisure Minister is paying tribute to what he sees as an improvement in quality and service standards offered in the industry.

At last night's Excellence Awards at the Gaiety Theatre, half a dozen of the top prizes went to the tourism sector, and Adrian Earnshaw says it's very satisfying to see such effort rewarded.

The awards also recognised the success of the Centenary TT, with the 'Volunteer of the Year' prize going to Chief Marshal Roger Hurst.

And Mr Earnshaw was delighted when absolute lap record holder for the Mountain Circuit, John McGuinness, was one of those to receive the 'Teamwork' prize, awarded for the organisation of the TT: