Leading businesses from across West Devon were celebrating last week after winning prizes in the prestigious 2018 Devon Tourism Awards.

Liberty Trails, a company providing horse riding holidays at Middlemoor just outside Whitchurch, claimed gold in the active and sporting experience and international visitor experience of the year categories, while Adventure Okehampton won bronze in the active and sporting experience category and Dartmoor Active Leisure Ltd of Okehampton won bronze in the responsible ethical and sustainable tourism category.

Langstone Manor Holiday Park at Moortown won gold in the touring, camping and caravanning park of the year category.

Devon Yurt, based at Kelly near Lifton, won silver in the glamping and alternative accommodation of the year category, while Appledore Park near Okehampton won bronze in the touring, camping and caravanning park of the year award.

In the tourism pub of the year prize, The Three Crowns at Chagford was highly commended. Dartmoor National Park’s visitor centres won gold for visitor information service of the year.

Now in their ninth year the awards saw entries across 26 different categories, with each undergoing a rigorous three-phase judging process. Guests at the dinner were also enthralled by an entertaining presentation from author, presenter and estate-agent turned pig farmer Simon Dawson.

Commenting after the awards, organiser Robin Barker commented: ‘Witnessing the delight, smiles and whoops of joy from all winners it is clear how much these awards mean to everyone who takes part. Coupled with the feedback we sent to every entrant, giving them tips on how to improve still further, the awards clearly make a big difference to Devon’s tourism.’

Speaking after the event Mark Warnes, property and portfolio director at Hoseasons, said: ‘Tonight is obviously about the winners, but the truth is every one of our finalists is in their own way a fantastic advert for what keeps this county at the forefront of the UK tourism industry.

‘The pride and passion they have shown in their businesses over the last 12 months is why people continue to see Devon as one of Britain’s best holiday destinations and why holidaymakers come back year after year.’