TWO tourism firms 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 announced as winners at an awards ceremony at the Eden Project, 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 they were chosen as one of the winners in the Tourist Information Service of the Year category.

At the awards ceremony they were told they had won a bronze award.

Manager Lorraine Knowles who collected the award with TIC assistant Zoe Jones said they were delighted and very proud to have won.

“It takes a lot to get into the finals and to get an award is fantastic,” she added. “It is nice to know that what you are doing is appreciated and this will let us tackle this season with even more enthusiasm.”

Tara Dare, manager of Hedgehog Corner, was recognised for her exceptional service to guests as she won a silver Outstanding Customer Service Award. Tara who has been employed at Hedgehog Corner since leaving Exeter College said: “It’s amazing to think that my natural approach and attitude towards the business, the hospitality industry and most importantly our guests has been recognised.”