A steward who has spent more than 20 years giving tours of the ss Great Britain has been nominated for a national tourism award.

Bob Evans will receive a gold or silver Enjoy England Award for Excellence at a ceremony at the National Railway Museum in York tonight.

Mr Evans, 66, was shortlisted after receiving gold in the South West Tourism Excellence Awards for outstanding customer service.

He also featured in a campaign celebrating British Tourism Week in March.

Known as "Captain Bob", he welcomes guests to events on board the ss Great Britain, gives talks and provides guided tours.

On top of his exceptional professionalism, Mr Evans impressed the judges with his willingness to go "above and beyond" the call of duty.

On one occasion he stepped in to take wedding photographs after the official photographer failed to arrive, taking pictures with his own camera and having them developed within a few hours of the ceremony.

He also helped out when a man was ill on board, calling the emergency services, dealing with his car and visiting him in hospital.

Bronwen Rolls, the ship's events and bookings manager, said: "Bob is the loveliest man you could imagine.

"He is good fun, a great team member and the ideal person to have in that position, and he makes everything run smoothly.

"He provides all the support that is required, and everything else on top that he can do."

Mr Evans, of York Road, Easton, said: "It is an honour just to be shortlisted by my peers within the tourism industry, and to receive a gold or silver in the national awards is beyond any of my expectations. I just do what comes naturally.

"Everyone works together to provide guests with great service, and it is fabulous to think that more than 160 years after her launch as the world's first great ocean liner we are still setting new standards in quality and offering truly first class events."