A CAMPSITE has clinched a top tourism award, presented to the owners by travel writer and broadcaster Simon Calder.

Stubcroft Farm Campsite in East Wittering won the prestigious gold prize for best campsite at the glitzy Beautiful South Tourism Awards ceremony last month.

The event was hosted by Simon Calder and held at the Grand Hotel in Brighton to recognise excellence across the tourism industry.

The campsite’s managing director Simon Green said: “It was a bit of a shock when the result was announced.

“I am very pleased to receive this award.

“It’s a great honour for a small, family-run business to be in the same league as major, well-financed national attractions.

“Credit must go to all our hardworking staff and especially fellow director Michaela Rozborilova who made this success possible.

“I am especially pleased the judges took note of our work in customer service, environmental sustainability, and accessibility.

“It shows you can have the environment and these issues as part of your core business plan and still grow and succeed.

“We are proud to represent this great area in the awards and put Chichester and West Sussex on the tourism map.”

The event was organised by Visit Britain and Tourism South East. Judging is carried out by an independent panel of industry leaders and experts selected for their impartiality, experience and suitability for each category.

This year the campsite has also won five other awards including Green Tourism’s prestigious Silver Award, a top “Quality in Tourism” rating, and a TripAdvisor certificate of excellence.

The site was also a regional finalist in the Federation of Small Businesses’ Green and Ethical category.

Stubcroft Farm will join other regional winners in June next year as they vie for pole position in next year’s National Tourism Awards.