A WEST Devon hotel is celebrating a triple win in the 2014 Devon Tourism Awards, receiving a gold award for 'small hotel of the year' and silver for both 'taste of Devon and 'venue and business tourism'.

Julie Leivers, joint owner of The Horn of Plenty at Gulworthy, said she and partner Damien Pease 'couldn't be happier'.

She said: 'It's fantastic to be recognised for the quality of our food, our accommodation and our weddings in these prestigious awards. A huge big thanks to each and every member of our hardworking team.'

The Horn of Plenty has had a long-standing reputation for its fine dining restaurant spanning 40 years. It opened its doors in 1967 and was originally owned by Sonia Stevenson, the first lady to ever be awarded a Michelin star. The kitchen has been operating to that standard ever since.

Julie and Damien took over The Horn of Plenty as corporate escapees four years ago. They have worked hard to maintain the reputation for fine dining and to improve the accommodation, gradually introducing a freshness and luxuriousness to existing rooms and adding six further rooms which opened in June.

The hotel has also gained a reputation as one of the South West's favourite wedding venues, with a bespoke offering, excellent food and superb views.

Julie said: 'Being small and independent means we can make each wedding completely individual and we've a great team here for whom nothing is too much trouble.'

The award comes after the hotel was awarded double gold in the 2014 Taste of the West awards for the quality of its food and accommodation.

There were more West Devon successes in the Devon Tourism Awards.

Judges were most impressed with the Wheatland Farm Eco Lodges at Winkleigh, giving it a gold award in the sustainable tourism category.

They said: 'Many businesses consider how to buy green/ethical products but Wheatlands goes a step further by researching the "upstream" impacts and focusing on re-use and refurbishment wherever possible combined with a focus on local.

'The knowledge of owners and their interaction with guests is a big factor. Guests left feeling they help to protect and enhance nature.'

In the Taste of Devon award category the judges commended the Moorland Garden Hotel, Yelverton and Appledore Park, Okehampton in the camping and caravanning holiday park of the year section.