TEESDALE has won three awards in the annual Pride of Northumbria competition, the results of which were announced on Wednesday.

Dr Anne Allen and Sue Berresford stepped up to take the web site of the year trophy and certificate for the quality of the Discover Teesdale site. Launched last year, it is aimed at attracting tour groups to the region and is already bringing in business from around the UK and abroad.

Dr Allen wrote the copy for the site, but was keen to acknowledge all who helped set it up, including Ms Berresford, Val Wilson, David McKnight, Rachel Scott, Jenny Wayman and Catherine Turnbull. It was designed by Barnard Castle-based Wensley House.

Ms Turnbull was also in attendance at the ceremony, held at the Redworth Hall Hotel, collecting an award on behalf of Raby Castle, for whom she is marketing manager. The castle was named small visitor (less than 100,000) attraction of the year.

John and Marion Boyes' Strathmore Barns holiday cottages were highly commended in the self-catering business of the year, in what the judges called "a very tight decision".

The couple, who diversified following foot-and-mouth to convert a barn at their Cleatlam property near Staindrop, were delighted.

"We have only been open 18 months, so this is our first full year of trading," said Mrs Boyes.

The couple featured in the D&S Times in February after installing a heating system which uses waste wood chippings to heat the cottages.