SOME of the best Herefordshire businesses at promoting what the county has to offer have been recognised.

More than 130 people from tourism businesses in the two counties gathered to hear the announcement of the winners, highly commended and commended of each of the 11 categories available for the 2017 Visit Herefordshire and Visit Worcestershire’s Tourism Awards for Excellence.

The event at Malvern Theatre was hosted by county resident John Challis, best-known for his role in the hit BBC television comedy series Only Fools and Horses.

The best touring, camping and holiday award went to Poston Mill Park, near Peterchurch while the best conference venue award went to the Courtyard in Hereford.

The best self catering business was Lodges at the Baiting House in Upper Sapey, while Buzzard House in Dilwyn took the award for best guest accommodation.

The best hotel award went to Hereford-based Castle House Hotel while the award for best visitor attraction went to Whitney Bridge.

The Riverside Inn in Aymestrey won the best eating out award, the best food producer was Peter Cooks Bread, based at Bishop's Frome, while Gun Dog Gin won the award for best drink producer.

Finally, the best festival and events (commercial) award went to Borderlines Film Festival and the best festival and events (community) award was won by Ledbury Poetry Festival.

Whitney Bridge, Winner of best visitor attraction for Herefordshire, said: “We are completely delighted that Whitney Bridge won the award for Best Visitor Attraction 2017 for Herefordshire. We have been here since 2012 and have worked hard to prove that our little 240 year old Grade 2 listed beautiful wooden bridge is not just a toll bridge, but a delightful area for people to enjoy a picnic, swim, walk, camp, canoe or just sit with a coffee or ice cream, just to contemplate life whilst watching our resident kingfishers, otters, swans and salmon all busying themselves!”

A full list of finalists for both counties, including those who achieved highly commended and commended, is available at visitherefordshire.co.uk/awards and visitworcestershire.org/awards