THREE thriving businesses from Sidmouth and Ottery have been recognised in this year s South West Tourism Excellence Awards. The Salty Monk in Sidford along with Escot Park and Mazzard Farm holiday cottages in Ottery were this week revealed as winners. Th

THREE thriving businesses from Sidmouth and Ottery have been recognised in this year's South West Tourism Excellence Awards.

The Salty Monk in Sidford along with Escot Park and Mazzard Farm holiday cottages in Ottery were this week revealed as winners.

The accolades celebrate the 'best in the South West' and aim to promote and reward the leading businesses and individuals in the tourism industry.

The Salty Monk is a winner of the 'B&B of the Year' category, Escot Park will be awarded for 'Small Visitor Attraction of the Year' and Mazzard Farm has won an accolade in the 'Sustainable Tourism' class.

Mazzards Farm was also shortlisted for the 'Self Catering of the Year' category and the Salty Monk also made it onto the shortlist in the 'Taste of the West' class.

Derek Phillips, chairman of Exeter and Essential Devon tourist board, was thrilled with the results.

He said: "We are delighted but not at all surprised that the judges have recognised how many high quality tourism businesses there now are in this beautiful part of England. This is a testament to all the hard work these businesses have put in over the last few years. East Devon now has a tourism sector to be really proud of."

The awards night, which is the highlight of the tourism calendar, takes place on November 23 at Saunton Sands Hotel and the winners will then find out if they have won a Gold or Silver award.

Guest speaker and presenter at this year's event will be Gill Williams, travel editor of the Sunday Mirror.

The regional Gold winners will be put forward for VisitEngland's, National Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2010.

Alistair Handyside, chairman of South West Tourism, said: "Congratulations to the winners and finalists. Winning at the regional awards is a great achievement for any business especially more so in these economic times. These businesses have shown that customer care, staff training and continued investment have not faltered but have grown and they are committed to exceeding visitor expectations.