BUSINESSES in West Devon and East Cornwall helped to cement the South West's status as England's top quality tourism region at the recent VisitEngland Awards.

Gold awards were picked up by Pentillie Castle in St Mellion for Bed and Breakfast of the year, and Wheatland Farm in Winkleigh for sustainable tourism.

All winning businesses were put through a rigorous selection process, winning awards from among 350 entries across the South West and many of them also winning in the Cornwall Tourism Awards and Devon Tourism Awards.

Since January, their entries have been pitted against further entries from across the country, with ten selected as finalists representing the South West at the VisitEngland awards night in Leicester last week.

Sammie Coryton, of Pentillie Castle and Estate, said: 'We are absolutely thrilled to have won this prestigious award.

'It is a huge accolade after only three years of opening, and could never have happened without the support of the family and the great team at Pentillie. We are delighted!'

Wheatland Farm has a track record in sustainable tourism and the Wheatland eco lodges and cottage have won several previous awards.

This year's VisitEngland sustainable tourism gold award is seen as a fantastic testament to owners Ian Ripper and Maggie Watson's dedication to conservation and the environment.

Robin Barker, from awards-organisers Services for Tourism, said: 'This is a fabulous result for the South West, winning more golds than other regions and cementing the South West's position as England's top quality tourism destination.

'It is a testament to the investment in skills and quality made by our top businesses, and a just reward for their endeavours.'