Last chance to join the British Travel Awards

Gyles Brandreth has been announced as the host of this year's British Travel Awards.

The witty writer, broadcaster, former MP and Government Whip is currently a reporter on The One Show and a regular on Radio 4's Just a Minute.

Already 90% of tickets have been sold for The British Travel Awards, being held on 2 November at Battersea Evolution, London.

But there are a few tables and individual places left for this year"s event, available to reserve online at www.britishtravelawards.com on a first come, first reserved basis.

Just click on the "Awards Night Tickets" button on the home page of the website.

BTA"s chief executive Lorraine Barnes Burton said: "The BTA"s Gala Awards black tie dinner is a fantastic night out and great value when you add all the components together.

"It"s a show, a champagne reception, a four course dinner with wine, a chance to dress up, brilliant travel industry networking and for some, the excitement of winning a coveted British Travel Award - plus full recognition of this year"s amazing crop of nominees."

At the welcome reception and during dinner the London Banqueting Ensemble Orchestra will set the mood, and then later there will be dancing until the small hours to live music from "Red Hornz and Sway".

Acclaimed magician Owen Lean will position himself in the Chill Zone during the After Show Party, and there will be some other surprises of truly Olympic proportions.

Audited by Deloitte and the only travel industry accolade voted for by the travelling public, The British Travel Awards in association with Lloyds TSB Cardnet serves to recognise all that is great about UK travel companies.

by Bev Fearis