SEVERAL tourism businesses in the Okehampton area have received recognition at this year’s Devon Tourism Awards.

In the camping and caravanning park of the year category, Appledore Park, which is just outside Okehampton, has won silver, while in the glamping and alternative accommodation of the year category, O’Connors Campers, which hires out Volkswagen campervans, has also won silver.

Co-owner of Appledore Park Rebecca Webb, who runs the park with husband Tim, said: ’We are absolutely delighted, having worked so hard. We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who supported us throughout the year, and the Devon Tourism Awards panel of judges. It’s so lovely to have such hard work rewarded.’

Lewtrenchard Manor was awarded joint silver with South Sands Hotel in the small/boutique hotel of the year award, while Adventure Okehampton was highly commended in the sustainable tourism category. In the venue and business tourism award, RHS Rosemoor at Great Torrington won silver.

The awards were decided after a rigorous three-phase judging process involving 120 judging visits to businesses across the county. Now in their eighth year the awards saw a record 205 entries in 25 different categories, with 76 awards announced on the night at Plymouth Guildhall.

Commenting after the awards, organiser and Visit Devon director Robin Barker said: ‘I am so elated that we made the decision to launch these awards eight years ago. The investments in excellence, and especially in outstanding service we’ve seen since are literally flabbergasting. The delight we see each year from winners, along with their feedback, tells me that we are making a difference to Devon and to its number one industry. Well done to all.’

Mark Warnes, property and portfolio director of headline sponsors Hoseasons, said: ‘We want to congratulate every one of our award winners and finalists. We had a record number of entries this year and the standard was so high that all of them should feel very proud.

‘It is this level of commitment to Devon that ensures visitors have the best experience and the county remains such a popular destination.’

The awards evening was hosted by travel journalist Simon Calder and arctic explorer Ann Daniels.