A HOLIDAY cottage in Bradford Leigh has added to its burgeoning list of awards by winning a Visit England Awards for Excellence prize.

Merkin’s Farm, which offer holiday cottages, camping facilities and a café just outside Bradford on Avon, is now a proud award winner from the country’s most prestigious awards in tourism.

Hayley Painter, the company’s founder, was delighted to win but admitted she was shocked when she learned she had to travel to London last week to collect the award.

“It was completely out of the blue,” said Mrs Painter.

“It really took me by surprise that we had been awarded it – it was a real honour.”

“They chose between 20,000 establishments and only 100 or so receive an award for campsites, cafés and cottages, so I am extremely pleased.”

Mrs Painter and her husband Jon travelled down to the Olympia exhibition centre, in London, to collect the coveted accolade in recognition of service excellence in front of thousands. She said: “It was a great day out, the place was absolutely packed.

"There must have been thousands there. We both really enjoyed it” she said."

The farm will add the honour to their 2015 Tripadvisor certificate of excellence for their café and five stars for food preparation and hygiene from Wiltshire Council.

“We must be doing something right,” said Mrs Painter. “We offer self-catering facilities but when it is a special occasion for customers, I like to bring them their breakfast or go the extra mile to help out and they really appreciate it and so did Visit England.

“We’ve grown from just me and one other staff member to 10 of us, so we’re going from strength to strength.”

The awards recognise businesses incorporating the best practice, demonstrating excellent customer service and celebrating the best in quality and innovation.