PENTILLIE Castle and Estate has won a prestigious gold award at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2012.

The historic premises in the Tamar Valley won the title of top bed and breakfast and guest accommodation in England.

Sammie Coryton, of Pentillie, said: 'We are absolutely thrilled to have won this prestigious award. It is a huge accolade after only three years of opening, and could never have happened without the support of the family and the great team at Pentillie.'

Malcolm Bell, head of VisitCornwall, said: 'Once again I am tremendously proud of our tourism industry. To see the county so well represented in the national finals is an impressive achievement.'