A HOLIDAY park near Okehampton has just been granted a coveted five-star award by the English Tourist Council — one of only six in the county to receive such a high accolade.
Dartmoor View Holiday Park at Whiddon Down was taken over by Stephen and Jo Cliff just over two years ago — recognition of their hard work came after a rigorous inspection last week.
Success in the test makes them the only five-star rated holiday park in West Devon.
Stephen said: 'This is our third season and we have literally invested tens of thousands since we came here.
'We have worked really hard and it's very satisfying the inspection came up trumps for us.
'All the other inspections are fine, they're only here for half an hour, but the English Tourist Council are very thorough, they are here half a day and it's a very tough test.'
The inspectors not only looked at the facilities on offer at Dartmoor View, but the attitude of staff and cleanliness of the site — even down to a cobweb in the loos or a cigarette end left on the drive.
Park owners are told at the end of a nerve-wracking inspection the result of the assessment.
Since moving to Devon from Hampshire, Stephen and Jo have replaced caravans, refurbished the toilet block, put in a new laundry, installed a 'campers' kitchen' including microwave, cooker and washing facilities, and also refurbished the shop.
The swimming pool has also been improved to comply with strict health and safety regulations.
'We've been through the park from top to bottom,' said Stephen, who employs between six and eight local people, depending on the season.
'We're just keeping our fingers crossed for some decent weather now!'