TWO tourism businesses in Lyme Regis and Uplyme have scooped top accolades at the Tourism Excellence Awards.

Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre and Tara Dare from Hedgehog Corner B&B in Uplyme were both announced as winners at last night’s awards ceremony at the Eden Project in Cornwall.

The South West Tourism Excellence Awards celebrate the ‘best in the West’ and aim to recognise the leading businesses and individuals in the tourism industry.

Staff at the tourist information centre were told in December that they have been chosen as one of the winners in the Tourist Information Service of the Year Category.

At last night’s awards they were told they had won a bronze award.

Tara Dare, manager of Hedgehog Corner, was recognised for her exceptional service to guests as she won a silver Outstanding Customer Service Award.

They were among the 61 different awards announced following a rigorous judging process in which over 300 entries were considered.

This year’s awards event was hosted by BBC radio journalist Daphne Skinnard, with presentations made by Eden Project founder Sir Tim Smit and entertainer Lloyd Griffith.

Up to four award winners from each category will all now go on to represent the region at the National Enjoy England Awards for Excellence in May.

Chairman of the judges Alistair Handyside said: “Once again, leading tourism businesses in the South West have excelled themselves in maintaining a strong tradition of innovation and quality.

“Most will now go on to represent both themselves and our region at the Visit England national tourism awards and we wish them all the very best.”