BOSSES at a stately hall have spoken of their delight after scooping yet another major award.

Holker Hall has been named Garden of the Year in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2015/16.

Now in their fifth year, the 11-category awards are a celebration of the countryside and its people. 

The shortlist of nominees has been drawn up by experts including BBC presenters John Craven, Ellie Harrison and Chris Packham.

Head of visitor services, Jillian Rouse, said: “We were thrilled to be nominated for the BBC Countryside Awards and even more delighted to win the title of ‘Garden of Year’.

"It means a great deal to be honoured with this award by the public who recognise the dedication."

Holker was in competition with major competitors across the country, including, 'Glendoick Gardens' in Perthshire and 'Beth Chatto Gardens' in Essex.

Fergus Collins, editor of BBC Countryfile Magazine, said: "This year’s nominees represent the best of rural Britain and are exceptional examples of what the UK’s countryside has to offer."

The full line up of winners was unveiled online this week and will appear in the May issue of the magazine.