AWARDS were presented to a number of businesses across Dartmoor at the Dartmoor Partnership Showcase day and First Award Presentation at the Two Bridges Hotel.

The day marked the first birthday of the Dartmoor First Award, which is a sustainability initiative from the Dartmoor partnership, managed by the Dartmoor National Park Authority.

Harrabeer Country House Hotel in Yelverton, the Two Bridges Hotel, Old Tavistock Railway Station, Little Foxes self-catering in Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Yarrow Lodge Bed and Breakfast in Yarner Wood, Dartmoor Nature Tours in Yarner Wood, Upcott House in Okehampton, Longhouse B&B in Moretonhampstead and Tavistock Tourist Information Centre were presented with awards during the event.

The businesses received their awards from the chairman of the Dartmoor Partnership, Mark Walker, and were recognised for a variety of actions, including conservation of the landscape and cultural heritage, energy, waste, water use and their support of the local economy.

Richard Drysdale, sustainable tourism officer for Dartmoor National Park Authority and the person responsible for Dartmoor First, said: 'Dartmoor First has really been embraced not only by those who have already been seen to be taking sustainability actions, but by a host of different organisations.

'Its success lies in the recognition that any business, organisation, community or individual associated with Dartmoor can apply for the award as long as they can show to be making that extra effort to put Dartmoor first.'