THERE is cause for celebration in Haslemere this week as Haslemere Initiative has scooped two prestigious awards for demonstrating what the town has to offer to both its residents and visitors.

The initiative was awarded first place in the "Partnership and Strategic Working" category of the "Action for Market Towns Awards 2005" (AMT) for the literary weekend which was held in May to celebrate local connections to author, Arthur Conan Doyle.

With this, Haslemere also went on to win the "Best Project" overall for the South East region. These awards mark the success of the town's response to 2004's Tourism Healthcheck carried out by Tourism South East: "Turning Guidance into Action".

"Haslemere Initiative's project, 'Turning Guidance into Action' is an excellent demonstration of the ability of a local community group to use the Tourism Guidance Notes to realise the tourism potential of their town," said Tourism South East spokesman Leanne Marr.

"Haslemere Initiative identified characteristics unique to Haslemere and has developed an ongoing agenda to promote them, while linking into the wider strategic vision of the town.

"This tourism project has proven to be a successful pilot and has the potential to be replicated in market towns throughout the country."

Haslemere's awards were presented by AMT chairman Chris Wade who recognised the dedicated work that has gone on in the town and its positive view of working strategically at many levels involving many sections of the business and residential community.

Haslemere Initiative chairman Melanie Odell and project co-ordinator Janet McWilliam travelled to London to receive the news of the double success.

"Competition for these awards is pretty hot," said Mrs McWilliam. "We were up against 25 excellent projects in the South East and although we felt hopeful, we have to admit that all the competing projects looked impressive. We couldn't believe it when Haslemere won.

"This is terrific news for all of the initiative partners who have worked over the past few years to make Haslemere an attractive place to live or work or visit."

Mrs Odell said: "It is wonderful for all who have worked so hard on the many elements of the project to have their efforts valued and prized in this way.

"The literary weekend was an excellent example of partnership. Our hotels and the museum formed the focus group, with initiative members and the businesses celebrated the day with wonderful window displays and staff involvement.

"We would also like to thank the town councillors for their help during the weekend in their wonderful costumes and the schools and young people for their support of the writing competition. It was a real community event which was enjoyed by visitors and locals alike."

Plans are well under way for Haslemere's second themed weekend, "Escape to the Country", being held next month which aims to highlight the holistic treatments that are available locally for health and well-being. Both of the themed weekends have received support funding from Tourism South East, Waverley Borough Council and local businesses including Grayshott Pottery. Haslemere Town Council also supports these projects by developing Haslemere's visitor and local information centre at the museum.

This award success follows in the wake of the 2004 AMT awards when Haslemere won the category for the Best Business and Community Project for the Christmas market.

This makes Haslemere and Waverley the only areas to win awards in two successive years in the South East regional division.

This year's Christmas market is being held on Sunday, December 4. For more information about "Escape to the Country" log on to http://www.haslemere.com">www.haslemere.com.