A Congresbury hotel was won a top accolade at the annual South West Tourism Excellence Awards.

Cadbury House Hotel Health Club and Spa won a silver award in the large hotel of the year category.

Celebrating the best in the south west, the Excellence Awards aim to promote and reward the best in the tourism industry.

To get to the final round, Cadbury had to go through an exhaustive selection and judging process, which whittled more than 200 entries down to 73 finalists and 40 winners who celebrated at the awards in the Great Hall at Cadbury House.

Those shortlisted had to demonstrate exceptional customer care and commitment to excellence and quality in areas including investment in staff training and development, accessibility, marketing and sustainability.

Staff at the four star hotel will now be able to display their silver award alongside other notable successes including its gold standard in the Green Tourism Business Scheme and a second rosette for the restaurant, which is headed by chef Mark Veale.

Cadbury House group general manager, Mark Hands, said: "We're delighted to have won this award.

"We strive to provide our guest with the best possible service and this is a true reflection of this commitment.

"I would like to thank all our staff for helping us get this top award because without them Cadbury wouldn't be the success it is today.

"The success in these awards follows an investment of around £20 million that has transformed the historic house into the premier hotel, health club and spa in the region."