Awards for local B&B

Browns of Holbeck was named best accommodation provider and owner Joan Brown was awarded the Outstanding Contribution award, for her work in promoting local tourism.

Over 230 people attended the ceremony at the Crowne Plaza in Nottingham, which recognised the achievements of the 30 shortlisted businesses.

From beginning her business in 1990 with husband Robin, Joan has built one of the most successful and highly awarded accommodation businesses in Notts.

Speaking just after collecting her awards Joan said: “I’m absolutely overwhelmed and I shan’t sleep a wink tonight.”

“It’s so nice to be recognised for continued quality and for all the hard work over the last 23 years.”

James Berresford, chief executive of national tourism board Visit England said Joan was an avid supporter of tourism ‘ensuring her local area of Welbeck and The Dukeries is always firmly on the tourism map’.

He added: “She continually promotes attractions such as The Harley Gallery, The Welbeck Estate, Cresswell Crags and The School of Artisan Food.”

“Despite the continually increasing demands of visitors and quality assessors she has always kept her five star gold award status.”