A WEST Devon hotel is celebrating after scooping a top regional award.

The Arundell Arms at Lifton has been presented with a gold award in the Southwest Tourism 2012 Excellence Awards. The hotel also received a 'Highly Commended' for its fishing in the Tourism Activity category.

A total of 350 entries were considered for the awards, and more than 100 were visited by a team of 25 judges and mystery shoppers.

This year's judging was the tightest ever, with winners separated by fractions in their mystery shop scores and requiring lengthy debates among the judging panel.

Chairman of the panel Alistair Handyside said: 'These finalists represent the best of the best tourism businesses in the South West. The visitor economy is crucial to our region and these businesses are an example to all of us, to show what can be achieved in these challenging times.'

Adam Fox-Edwards, hotel managing director, said: 'I am thrilled that the hotel has won this great award.

'This year we are celebrating 50 years of my family being at the hotel and so it is doubly rewarding.

'We are well known for our country sports and fine food, but the business meetings we host and how we look after our business guests are every bit as important.

'This award recognises that and it is a great reflection on the whole team at the hotel.'

In their report 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 with its 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.'

The Southwest Tourism 2012 Excellence Awards are the 'official' tourism awards for the region, linking closely with awards in Cornwall, Devon and Bristol as well as forming the regional heat of the national VisitEngland awards.