RELATIVES from a family-run business are in high spirits after their Otterton-based holiday centre made it through to the final of the Devon Tourism Awards.

Ladram Bay Holiday Park was one of the finalists for the coveted awards, beating off the competition of hundreds of other parks in the county.

Zoe House and Robin Carter, two of the children of park founder Frank Carter, who now help run the business, attended a special ceremony held at Thurlestone Hotel, near Salcombe, to mark the accomplishment.

Claire Williams, Ladram Bay’s general manager, said: “In order to reach the final stages of the competition, the park had to match up to a number of tough criteria.

“This included in-depth scrutiny by the judges, mystery shopper visits and phone calls.

“It was not just the standard of our facilities which was put under the microscope, but also the quality of our customer care and the friendliness and helpfulness of staff.”

Ladram Bay began life 70 years ago on a former farm run by the Carter family, and has grown from a small camping site to one of the region’s most popular holiday parks.

Facilities include direct access to the park’s sandy beach, a swimming pool, entertainment centre, restaurant and plenty of children’s activities.

It has won a number of awards over the years for its high quality standards and concern for the natural environment.