The winning of six coveted Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence awards, is down to his friendly staff, Jonathan Denby says.

Five of his businesses picked up the awards, The Damson Dene in the Lyth Valley near Bowness, the Newby Bridge Hotel, the Riverside Hotel in Kendal, and the Bay Villa in Grange-over-Sands each won one award, with Cuckoo Brow in Far Sawrey, near Ambleside, winning two.

Mr. Denby said: "I'm delighted that we've been awarded six certificates of excellence. In the last 12 months we've had 555 five star reviews, with Bay Villa earning a score of 9.9 for service from Booking.com which was the highest score in the Lake District."

He added: "One thing guests frequently mention is the smiling, friendly staff who work very hard to make all our guests happy.

"The Lake District has become Britain's number one destination for holiday makers according to Trip Advisor. I'm so proud of my staff at South Lakes Hotels for their part in helping to achieve this."

The awards are given annually to hotels, bed and breakfast accommodation, and holiday rentals that showed continued excellence in hospitality.