THERE were celebrations at a West Devon hotel last week, with the news it had won a prestigious national award, to add to a string of other accolades received in the last 12 months.

This time The Arundell Arms at Lifton has been recognised for its environmental improvements.

The hotel's managing director, Adam Fox-Edwards, accompanied by his wife, Tina, collected the PEA (People and the Environment Achievement) business award for tourism in London. The hotel fought off stiff competition and beat Kuoni Travel to the coveted top spot.

The competition was sponsored by Lloyds TSB Bank and the award was presented by Leo Johnson, brother of London mayor Boris Johnson.

The PEA Awards are held annually to recognise businesses that go the extra miles to achieve environmental excellence.

Adam Fox-Edwards said: 'It is great that all of what we are doing at the hotel has gained national recognition.

'Our industry is one that struggles with its environmental footprint as when our guests are with us, conservation of energy and material is not usually at the forefront of their thinking.

'We have long been concerned with the health of our rivers and look after them as much as we can. We have invested heavily in our infrastructure in recent years, much of it in areas that guests do not see, such as new efficient cookers and biomass boilers.

'Hopefully we have shown that you can adopt best practices and make a big difference even when operating from 300-year-old buildings as we do.

'This, plus our team's enthusiasm for what we are doing, has made the change a reality.'

Dave Ware, regional manager for Lloyds, said: 'I am delighted that the Arundell has won national recognition for what it has achieved.

'To have made these environmental improvements during the recent financial difficulties is even more remarkable. It is a very well deserved accolade for a popular and successful local hotel.'

The People and Environment Achievement Business Awards (PEAs) celebrate how green initiatives can be good for business as well as the planet. They recognise the exceptional leadership and vision that make a lasting impression, plus the best practice and key strategies that will inspire others in the future

The Arundell Arms has been undergoing a programme to reduce its energy and other consumption and adopt best environmental practices since 2009. It now only consumes 20% of the fossil fuel that it was using four years ago, and reduced its waste going to landfill by 60%. It has achieved this while growing the business by 20% over the same period.