Smoke and Mirrors

Today one of my colleagues from Leeds Castle features in the The Mirror Travel section as part of a tourism awards campaign for Visit England called Tourism Superstar 2015.

The campaign aims to find the country's outstanding but unsung talent. It features individuals that offer visitors a priceless experience as part of their daily job and go above and beyond the call of duty to do their utmost in their endeavours thus promoting tourism in England and being an ambassador for our country.

My colleague (Head Falconer Mark Brattle) has been shortlisted for his 'desire to impart knowledge and his dedication to the job'.

Mark is a truly skilled professional, a natural entertainer, knowledgeable, approachable, loves his job and will do pretty much anything I ask him for media within the restrictions of safety and relevance!

But away from the cameras, ask him why he's been nominated for a 'superstar' award and he'll tell you 'I'm just doing my job!' And that is why I hope people vote for him.

Those of us working in the media, tourism, service or entertainment industries know only too well about our 'stage face' or 'wearing a hat' for a job but when it comes down to it, no matter how good a performer any of us might be, how glamorous a job may sound, it is hard work and integrity that bring success and make for true superstars. Without those attributes it's all just smoke and mirrors.

Voting for Tourism Superstar 2015 starts on 31 January at mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/travel