TOURISM businesses in Pendle received gold, silver and bronze awards from the Duke of Westminster.

The Duke presented the Green Tourism Business Scheme awards to five tourism operators from the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Awards were given to Off The Rails, Parkfoot Holiday Homes, Malkin Tower Farm Holiday Cottages, Higher Gills Farm and Dalesbridge for being profitable and environmentally-conscious management.

County Councillor Jean Yates, chair of the Forest of Bowland AONB partnership, said: "I am delighted these businesses have received this recognition and to have the awards presented by someone as high profile as the Duke of Westminster is a real bonus.

The gold, silver and bronze awards were presented at the Forest of Bowland Sustainable Tourism Forum at Over Wyresdale Parish Hall, Abbeystead.

The Forest of Bowland AONB is a nationally protected landscape and internationally important for its heather moorland, blanket bog and rare birds.