TWO East Lancashire businesses have scooped top honours in the North West annual tourism awards.

The Old Shippon at Mellor was named best Self Catering venue in the region while Clough Bottom Farm Cottages in Clitheroe scooped the title for Sustainable Tourism.

Sixteen accolades were received by businesses from across the region at the 2010 England Northwest Tourism Awards in The Point, Lancashire County Cricket Club’s new £12m conference centre, in Manchester.

Many of the finalists had already come out on top at the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourism Awards.

In addition to receiving a prestigious title and trophy, winners will also represent the region in the national awards, organised by VisitEngland in 2011.

Jennifer Wilkinson, from The Old Shippon, who gave up a “hectic career” as a business development manager to launch her luxury self catering cottages business three years ago, said she was “delighted.”

The mother-of-two said: “It is fabulous because there was a lot of tough competition.

“I think I stood out because I spoil my customers when they come here as I am a cordon bleu trained chef and am forever making them hors d'oeuvres and sandwiches.

“I am really glad that all my hard work has not been in vain.”

Meanwhile, Harry and Jane Backhouse, who run 17th century Clough Bottom Farm, were also celebrating their success after picking up the Sustainable Tourism award.

Harry said: “I believe we should leave this planet in a better state than we’ve found it and we’ve been at the forefront of sustainable and green practices for over 20 years.

“This year alone we have created a new ‘Sensory Garden' extension to our organic allotment and poly tunnel and introduced two new bee hives.

“All the farm vehicles now run on bio-diesel which is produced on site and we are currently developing a micro-hydro initiative and exploring other renewable energy strategies.

“We’re delighted to have been recognized for our on-going efforts at such a prestigious awards ceremony.”