A HANDFUL of West Somerset's tourism businesses snapped up some of the top gongs at the South West Tourism Excellence awards this week.

A fitting finale took place at Exeter Cathedral on Thursday, February 4 and four West Somerset businesses picked up prizes at the glittering ceremony hosted by ITV presenters Kylie Pentelow and Ian Axton.

The Calvert Exmoor Trust, which works to enable people with physical, learning, behavioural and sensory disabilities to experience exciting, challenging and enjoyable outdoor activities, won gold in the Access and Inclusivity category.

Porlock-based business Exmoor Adventures picked up a highly commended award in the Active and Sporting Experience category in recognition for providing a range of outdoor activities including kayaking, abseiling, canoeing and archery.

The Dunkery Beacon Hotel at Wootton Courtenay claimed a highly commended award in the B&B and Guest Accommodation category meanwhile the Cross Lane House Hotel at Allerford took home Silver in the Small Hotel in the Year.

The awards broke the previous record for entries with 490 submissions being considered, each going through a rigorous three-stage judging process of marking, visits and panel meetings.

Alison Rice, chair of judges and commented: “These high-calibre awards reflect the quality and breadth of the treasures that visitors to the south west can enjoy. The judging panel of tourism professionals did not have an easy time! That’s why in some categories they simply had to award more than one gold winner.”

Finalists in the awards were also invited to enter the VisitEngland awards and news came earlier this week that 26 South West entrants have made it through to the national finals, over twice as many as any other region. They will have to wait till March to hear how they have done.

All entrants in the South West underwent a rigorous short-listing process with 296 being visited by a team of 42 mystery shoppers. Entry was free, and all entrants received feedback on how they had done, giving them useful tips for future success.

Robin Barker of Services for Tourism, who manages the awards programme, added: “This year’s awards have set new standards in both numbers and quality standards. It never ceases to amaze me how our top businesses continue to reinvent themselves to stay at the top in one of the world’s most fast-moving and competitive industries.”