A WEST Devon hotel is celebrating after taking a clean sweep at the recent Visit Devon Awards.

At the same ceremony the Arundell Arms hotel and restaurant at Lifton received gold, for business tourism, and silver for its fishing in the tourism activity category, and silver in the best hotel category as well as the most coveted winner of winner's accolade.  

The cream of Devon's tourism industry was at the Saunton Sands Hotel in North Devon for the glitzy awards presentation which was presided over by BBC?Radio Devon's Judi Spiers.

Thirteen gold awards were presented to businesses across 14 categories.

Laura Holt, chair of the Devon Tourism Partnership, said: 'The continued popularity of the awards reflects the wide range of high quality tourism businesses available in Devon and the Arundell Arms must be congratulated for leading the way in this under the expert guidance of Adam Fox- Edwards. 

'It is a fantastic achievement to win so many awards and

for consistently demonstrating to visitors the exceptional quality, service and excellence which we have on offer here in Devon.'

Mr Fox-Edwards, hotel managing director, said: 'I am absolutely delighted that we won these awards and especially to win the overall winner of winner award.  

'This really does reflect well on the whole team at the hotel and recognises what they do throughout the year. It is a tough competiton as there are some great tourism businesses in our region, but it is wonderful to bring these prizes back to West Devon.'

Commenting on the Arundell Arms, the judges said: 'Overall, this venue has looked at diversity and opportunities.  They are not just working on the fishing market, but making sure they are spreading their opportunities in other areas.

'Business tourism plays a major factor in their strategy and they have the hotel geared up to meet the business partnership needs, but also ensuring that the country feel is not lost.

'The focus on its key strengths (own river banks, grounds for field pursuits), the diversity of its offering, combining private and business tourism use, all in a welcoming and well maintained group of buildings, could be a model for many around the UK.

'Add to this, obvious style and warmth and dedication to the highest levels of service and a winning model has been created.'