A NORTH Cumbrian tourism business has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.

Beech House Holidays, self-catering accommodation at Stockdalewath, near Carlisle, has been shortlisted in the Rural Business Awards for best rural tourism business.

Owner Anna Aston said: “We are so pleased and so very proud to have been shortlisted for such a prestigious award.

"Beech House Holidays is a real labour of love for us, we work very hard to achieve great standards and deliver a memorably good service and so it’s extremely rewarding to have this recognised.

“Love, care and a lot of thought has gone into every element of what we offer – from the way we converted our Threshing Barn, to the suppliers we use – and it’s lovely to know that people can tell we really have gone that extra mile to make Beech House Holidays a very special rural place to stay.”

The aim of the awards is to recognise work across the rural sector and celebrate the achievements of rural businesses.

Cumbria has one other nominee - fashion company Lakes and Lambs, which is based in Plumpton, near Penrith, which is shortlisted in three categories.

The winners of the 13 award categories will be announced at a ceremony on October 13 at The Belfry Resort and Spa in the West Midlands.