A HALWILL tourism business is celebrating after being named one of the most enterprising in the South West for the second year running.

Anglers Paradise, run by Zyg and Rose Gregorek, has been chosen by South West Tourism for an Excellence in England award in the self catering category.

The business will now go forward to represent the region in the national finals of the awards which are being staged by the English Tourism Council in London next April.

The couple, who employ seven full-time workers and many part-time staff, said they were thrilled to receive such recognition from South West Tourism which was the largest tourism board in the country.

'It is wonderful to win this award for the second year running,' said Zyg, who personally serves a glass of his homemade wine to visitors on their arrival.

'There are at least 1,000 self catering establishments in the South West so we feel very proud.

'Devon is leading the way again — it shows that we can still pull out awards like this despite foot and mouth.'

Judges commented on the improvements that had been made including the introduction of the 'amazing' fishermen's themed bar and upgrade of the accommodation and leisure facilities.

They were impressed with the high level of access for the disabled including paved access to six of the fishing lakes for wheelchair users and designated pagodas on each lakeside.

Seventy to 90 per cent of visitors each week were returning guests, some with more than ten years loyalty.

Zyg said the good service that had been shown to customers had paid off as they had remained loyal to him during the foot and mouth crisis.

'The success of the business comes down to hard work especially that of my wife Rose who is always beavering behind the scenes,' he said.

An Excellence in England award also went to Percy's at Coombeshead which was the winner in the small hotel section.

The judges highlighted the extremely stylish extension, bedrooms with whirlpool baths and fresh flowers, fruit and homemade biscuits supplied in the rooms.

They also commented on the award-winning restaurant which strived to achieve self sufficiency as far as possible, with lamb, venison and poultry all reared on the estate.

Chief executive of South West Tourism Malcolm Bell said: 'These awards recognise that little bit extra that these businesses provide, whatever their size.

'The awards are a credit to all those who took part because the standard across the board was very high.'