Dartmouth's tourist information centre is in line for a major award.

The centre, which deals with more than 114,000 visitors a year at its Mayor's Avenue base, has been praised for its 'digital' presence', which includes the new TIC website which was launched this year.

And it means that the visitor centre – which operates on one full-time staff member, two part-time and eight volunteers, could be on the road to a national award.

Manager Lesley Turner said: 'We are absolutely delighted that we are in the finals and we are looking forward to the event.

'The judges took a number of factors into consideration and our website was one of them.'

The Dartmouth TIC has been told that it is one of the finalists in the Tourism Information Service category of the county tourism awards.

Organisers told the centre: 'This means that you will be awarded either a gold, silver, bronze or highly commended award at this year's Devon Tourism Awards ceremony at the Grand Hotel, Torquay, on Wednesday, November 13 – as well as receiving PR benefits, the use of the appropriate logo, and – where relevant – being fast-tracked into the south west and potentially Visit England awards.

'The judging took account of your entry form, along with web searches, emails, telephone calls and visits, plus any available additional evidence.

'More than ever before, judges were looking for a digital presence that inspired and informed visitors, with good management of online reputations and active use of social media.

'The panel was looking for all elements of your business to be excellent, with some of them outstanding.

'To be among the winners, given the level of competition, is a very significant achievement indeed.'

The TIC has spent £22,000 on launching its new website which went on line this summer and saw visitor interest shoot up by more than half again.

The centre has also launched its new mobile site, enabling people to gain even greater access to its website facilities.

South Hams councillor Hilary Bastone, a staunch supporter of the TIC's work, said: 'I'm absolutely delighted that our tourist information centre has been selected as a finalist for the 2013 Devon Tourism Awards.

'It's a nomination that is thoroughly deserved. The team at the centre work extremely hard to promote Dartmouth and this year they have yet again put Dartmouth at the forefront of tourism promotion.'