TWO popular Herefordshire venues have been recognised during a national awards evening.

Woodhouse Farm Cottages at Staplow, near Ledbury, collected a gold award in the Self Catering Holiday of the Year category during the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence.

The complex features three converted medieval cottages sited in an apple orchard around two miles north of the market town.

Goodrich Castle was also successful, collecting a silver in the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year category.

The castle, near Ross-on- Wye, has stood on the banks of the River Wye since the 11th century and is open all year round.

The awards ceremony was held at the National Railway Museum in York.

Meanwhile, the success of a Golden Valley craftsman looks to be set in stone after his work was honoured by the Welsh Assembly.

Stonemason Alan Cornish received a special silver anniversary medal from heritage minister Alun Ffred Jones to mark his work maintaining some of Wales’ top historical sites.

The Walterstone resident, who works with Welsh historic environment service Cadw, said: “Being a stonemason is a very challenging but rewarding job and this medal is a token of Cadw’s acknowledgement of our work.”

Alan, who works in Crickhowell, joined various craftsmen from across Wales at the Senedd in Cardiff to collect a silver limited edition medal produced to celebrate 25 years since Cadw began.