THE Lowry has been voted the North-west's Visitor Attraction of the Year.

The £96.4 million centre took top place in the North-west Tourism Awards, which are open to all Tourist Board members.

Judges were impressed by the massive urban regeneration project which has transformed the former docks to the now cosmopolitan Salford Quays.

The Lowry has attracted investment in excess of £118 million through the commercial retail and leisure complex opposite the venue.

It offers a host of attractions including two theatres, exhibition galleries, cafes, restaurants and the interactive family attraction ArtWorks.

It has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors to the region.

In the Awards' 14 categories, the Marriot Manchester Hotel and Country Club in Worsley won the Customer Care and Training Award.