SOUTH Worcestershire business Eckington Manor took two top awards at Destination Worcestershire’s annual tourism conference at Stanbrook Abbey, Callow End. In the Visit Worcestershire Awards for Excellence it won the best B&B category and best tastes of Worcestershire award.

Judy Gardner, founder of Eckington Manor, which lies in the shadow of Bredon Hill, near Pershore, said: “I’m ab-solutely delighted to have won both of these awards. “When visitors pick us to stay with, out of all of the other accommodation in the area, we feel they should be treated with hospitality and made to feel comfortable.” The business operates a range of high quality facilities including a cookery school, B&B, farm and restaurant. Judges said they were impressed with the quality of its offering and the extras it provides for customers.

Heritage railway attraction Severn Valley Railway, based in Kidderminster, fou-ght off tough competition to win the best tourism experience award, with judges praising the uniqueness of the SVR, its value for money and how the venue promotes Worcestershire as a visitor destination.

Lisa Smith, group travel co-ordinator of Severn Valley Railway, said: “It’s fabulous to have won this award, all of the staff paid and voluntary, have worked very hard to help us achieve this.”

The best hotel award went to Brockencote Hall, Chad-desley Corbett, the luxury Victorian country house hotel near Kidderminster, while the winner of the best self catering section was the Holywell Suite, a spacious two bedroomed apartment in the refurbished Wells House on the Malvern Hills. Top Barn Activity Centre at Holt Heath, near Hallow took the best business tourism award for its conference facilities, appearance and sustainability ethos.

The commitment to sustainable tourism within the Worcestershire tourism ind-ustry was recognised in the best sustainable tourism category and this was won by Broadway Manor Cottages, Broadway. The winner was chosen based on green ethos, commitment to reduce carbon emissions, water consumption and energy use and community engagement.

Pershore Plum Festival was victorious in the best festivals and events award due to the uniqueness of the event, the number of visitors it attracts to Worcestershire and value for money.

The winners and highly commended are eligible to go on to enter the VisitEngland Awards.