SOUTH West Lakes Trust, the region's largest combined environmental and recreational charity, has announced a key milestone in its development, with the achievement of national recognition for its 'green' visitor facilities.

Inspectors from the English Tourism Council's Green Tourism Business assessment scheme have scrutinised key inland waters managed by the Lakes Trust against stringent criteria including management of watersports, angling, catering and public facilities, grounds management, marketing, communication, energy and water saving, purchasing, waste minimisation, wildlife and landscape.

SW Lakes Trust has gained an enviable three gold green tourism awards at the first attempt, with Roadford Lake, near Okehampton, one of those lakes gaining the sought-after accolade.

The Trust's Head Office at Lidn Park, Launceston, received a silver award as did Tamar Lakes, near Bude.

The charity's director, Evelyn Stacey said: 'I am delighted that the Trust's efforts to achieve sustainability have won us national accreditation.

'These awards are a clear endorsement of the Trust's environmentally sensitive working practices and reflect the energy-saving and sustainability features built in to our new buildings.

'They are also a tribute to the dedication and commitment of our trustees, volunteers and employees.'

Annette Cole, deputy director at South West Tourism, was delighted to hear of the awards: 'What a fantastic result!

'South West Lakes Trust is providing high quality experiences for visitors to the area as well as locals.

'We hope many more businesses will follow suit so that we can make an ever greater virtue of the unique green experience on offer in the South West.'