Andy Black Celebrates Bronze at National Tourism Awards

HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association) is delighted to share that Andy Black, Café and Kitchen Manager at The HAPPA Café, has been awarded Bronze in the prestigious Visit England Awards for Excellence.

Andy first received recognition in November last year, when he won the Unsung Hero Award at the Lancashire Tourism Awards in Blackpool. That award placed him among 17 category winners invited to go forward to the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, held on 3^rd June 2026.

Now in their 35th year, the Visit England Awards for Excellence celebrate the very best of England’s tourism industry, recognising quality, innovation, best practice and outstanding customer service.

This year’s ceremony took place at Aerospace Bristol, where finalists from across the country were presented with Gold, Silver or Bronze awards in categories ranging from the Regenerative Tourism Award to New Tourism Business of the Year.

HAPPA Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Arthur, said: “We were absolutely thrilled to receive three awards at the Lancashire Tourism Awards, especially given the outstanding calibre of attractions represented from across the county. The Unsung Hero category celebrates the people who make every visitor experience truly special, so to see Andy go through to the national awards was an incredibly proud moment for all of us. To then see him honoured with Bronze among such deserving finalists is a wonderful achievement.

Andy has been part of HAPPA for eight years, and his dedication goes far beyond managing the café. He lives and breathes everything HAPPA stands for, from supporting staff and creating exciting menus to delivering exceptional customer service and helping to shape memorable experiences for families and visitors alike. Andy’s commitment plays an important part in encouraging people to return to Shores Hey Farm again and again, and that support helps us continue our core mission of giving a second chance to neglected, abused, and unwanted equines. We are so proud of him. Well done, Andy.”

Andy Black added: “I’m honestly speechless. As a family, we talked about attending the event in Bristol, but sadly that wasn’t possible for us. I did watch the ceremony online, and when the Unsung Hero category was announced, I was over the moon to be recognised alongside some incredible people who are doing so much to champion tourism in England. I’d like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to the other finalists, and especially to Jayne Chapman, the overall winner. The visitor economy is so important to both Lancashire and Burnley, and I hope this recognition helps shine a light on HAPPA and the work we do. If it encourages more people to visit, learn about the charity and support us, then that can only mean more horses and ponies will get the second chance they deserve. My passion for tourism comes from my love for the horses and ponies we are here to help.”

For further information about visiting HAPPA, please visit www.happa.org.uk or call 01282 455992.

For more information about the Visit England Awards for Excellence, please visit the VisitBritain website.