Last updated at 14:49, Tuesday, 29 May 2012

THREE South Cumbrian businesses have scooped prizes in this year’s Cumbria Tourism Awards.

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A glittering ceremony in Rheged saw awards go to Lakeside Hotel & Spa, Newby Bridge, for the large hotel of the year, Holbeck Ghyll Country House Hotel, in Windermere, took home small hotel of the year and the Hawkshead Relish Company took home the gong for retail business of the year.

Movers and shakers in the tourism industry saw the awards handed out by the BBC’s voice of the Lotto draw, Alan “Deadly” Dedicoat.

The annual Cumbria Tourism Awards recognised the best in tourism related businesses.

Twelve coveted prizes and two commendations were awarded, recognising the exceptional standards of quality and excellence on offer at tourism businesses across the county. Each category winner received a certificate and a specially commissioned engraved award, handcrafted by the Cumbrian artist Penni Simpson.

Ian Stephens, managing director for Cumbria Tourism, said: “The winners at the 2012 Cumbria Tourism Awards are prominent ambassadors for Cumbria’s tourism industry and we are all incredibly proud of their achievements.

“In these tough economic times their achievements are even more significant and now, more than ever, our tourism industry is absolutely vital to this county and its continued economic development.

“Our award winners evidence the high quality and sheer hard work needed to ensure continued success and ensure that their customers keep coming back.

“Our awards ceremony was a celebration of Cumbria’s tourism industry, its businesses, our organisation and the conscientious work we are all undertaking together to not just maintain but to build upon Cumbria’s already outstanding tourism offer. We should all be proud of what we are achieving.”

Award winners will progress to represent Cumbria in the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence next year.

First published at 13:23, Tuesday, 29 May 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk