UPCOTT House Bed and Breakfast in Okehampton has won a special award for its social enterprise work, and is gunning to win the overall title of O2 Smarta 100 Business of the Year.

The business was recognised as one of the top five businesses in the country by Smarta 100 for its social work in supporting young homeless people. Upcott House work with Young Devon, the Youth Offending Team, social services and the Housing Department to provide temporary emergency accommodation so young people in difficult situations can develop independent living skills.

The Smarta 100 Awards name the top 100 small businesses in the UK that show originality, ingenuity and resourcefulness. Upcott House has been chosen not only for its social work, but for its green credentials.

John and Kay Bickley, who run the business, have recently invested in a Nissan Leaf electric car for guests, and they also now have the only electric vehicle charging point between Exeter and Cornwall. They have also installed a ten kilowatt solar PV array, to reduce their carbon footprint further.

Kay said: 'It is satisfying to have our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and offer a genuinely green and eco-friendly experience for our guests recognised.'

The winner of the Business of the Year accolade receives £10,000 prize money. John and Kay have pledged that £1,000 of the money will be put toward a local eco-friendly project for the community, with the rest to be spent on further developing the youth lodgings and apprenticeships at the B&B.

To win the overall prize, Upcott House need as many votes from local people as possible by September 20. You can show your support by voting on http://www.smarta.com/smarta100/2011-winners/upcott-house">www.smarta.com/smarta100/2011-winners/upcott-house

Okehampton Town Council has expressed its support for Upcott House, and is encouraging everyone in the area to vote.