TWO Herefordshire companies struck gold in the Heart of England awards for tourism excellence.

Both Pembridge's Lowe Farm and Shobdon's Pearl Lake Leisure Park received top honours for their business excellence, innovation and commitment to customer service.

Lowe Farm was recognised as the best Bed and Breakfast in the Heart of England region, much to the surprise of owners Juliet and Clive Williams.

"Last year we won the bronze but this time we were very relaxed at presentation as we didn't think we would get anything," Juliet said. "I had my hands over my mouth when the results were read out and I was so emotional when the photo was taken I had a tear in my eye."

Juliet, who has been running the five bedroom farmhouse B&B for nine years, added: "We use local food producers as much as possible and our customer care is second to none. We provide the service I would like to find myself."

The business is now entered into the national level of the competition as Juliet travels to Japan for a ten day tour to talk to thousands of aspiring B&B owners, keen to hear how rural tourism operates in Britain.

The Pearl Lake Leisure Park, run by husband and wife team Glenn and Hannah Jones, won the gold award for the second year running.

"We were absolutely thrilled, delighted, and even ecstatic," Glenn said. "We've got some great on-site facilities but it's about providing excellent customer service as well."

Visitors to their caravan holiday homes can enjoy the an exclusive nine-hole golf course, the largest natural lake in the county, and a bowling green.

"We have visitors from all over the country but we have a lot of people who come from Hereford," Glenn said. "People come here and escape from the stresses and strains of life - it's just like going further away."