The Eden Project won Visitor Attraction of the Year

Cornwall's Eden Project won Visitor Attraction of the Year in the national England for Excellence awards.

And Devon triumphed with winners in two categories, Caravan Park of the Year and the People Award for Outstanding Customer Services.

The award scheme is part of the Safeway Excellence in England Awards run by the newly-formed VisitBritain organisation.

'Pretty special'

"It feels pretty special," said Paul Travers of the Eden Project.

"Everyone likes praise, it's praise for Eden and praise for the region and it's hugely important as we start our new season.

"I think it's symbolic of what's to come."

Devon's Oakdown Touring and Holiday Home Park near Sidmouth won the Caravan Park of the Year.

The park has been owned by the Franks family for 31 years and 80% of those who stay at the site return in future years.

And Brian Gitsham from the park was thrilled the park won the award in the face of stiff competition.

"We've done extremely well in beating off larger organisations," he said.

The People Award for Customer Services was won by Maureen Rowlatt of Tor Cottage in Lifton.