The zoo made savings on its annual water bill

Paignton Zoo was nominated for the British Hospitality Association's Business Excellence Awards after saving �11,000 a year on its water bill.

The awards recognise the adoption of ideas, tools and techniques that measurably improves business.

Ian Turner, from the zoo, said they had made economies without hiring in outside consultants.

He said: "We are a good example of best practice because we have implemented a system that is improving performance, saving money and ensuring legal compliance.

"We have gone about it in an unusual way - most people use consultants - which has resulted in a system that does not have a large administrative burden.

"Paignton Zoo has become even more environmentally-friendly as a result."

Finalists will be announced on Wednesday in a ceremony in London.