A £3.5m contribution to the county’s coffers helped make the Hampshire Food Festival one of the big tourism winners in the south of England at a major regional awards.

The festival, which attracted 215,700 people to 92 different events was one of six Hampshire gold award winners at the Beautiful South Awards for Excellence.

Other big county winners were Chewton Glen and Tylney Hall in the large hotel category and the customer service categories respectively.

Winchester tourist information centre was named the best in the region while Lymington’s Silk Cottage was named self catering holiday of the year.

Lord Montagu of Beaulieu was honoured for his contribution to tourism.

A further ten county tourism businesses won silver awards, while six more were highly commended.

The annual awards, organised by Tourism South East, are now in their 20th year and recognise exceptional levels of customer service and dedication to raising standards in the tourism industry.

All winners now go through to the national final next April.

Derek Beaves, chairman of Hampshire Fare, which organises the food festival, said; “It has been an exciting tenth anniversary celebration this year for the Hampshire Food Festival, and it is a credit to everyone involved in the festival that Hampshire Fare has won gold at the Beautiful South Awards for Excellence.

“The festival is a showcase of the splendid food and drink that this county produces. The fact that it has such an impact on the economy, and appeals to so many visitors emphasises the significance of the local food and farming industry. Hampshire should be proud to host such an impressive event.”

Hampshire Honours

GOLD

• Flavour of the South East: Hampshire Fare
• Large Hotel/Townhouse of the Year: Chewton Glen Hotel
• Outstanding Contribution to Tourism: Lord Montagu of Beaulieu
• Outstanding Customer Service: Tylney Hall Hotel
• Self Catering Holiday of the Year: Silk Cottage
• Tourist Information Service of the Year: Winchester Tourist Information Centre

SILVER

• Bed & Breakfast/ Guest Accommodation of the Year: The Mill at Gordleton
• Bed & Breakfast/Guest Accommodation of the Year: The Nurse’s Cottage
• Business Tourism Award: Aviator
• Caravan/Holiday Park of the Year: Shamba Holidays
• Digital Marketing Award: Visit Winchester
• Large Visitor Attraction of the Year: Beaulieu
• Outstanding Customer Service: Katie Burns (Chewton Glen)
• Self Catering Holiday of the Year: Dines Barn
• Sustainable Tourism Award: Jurys Inn, Southampton
• Sustainable Tourism Award: Portsmouth Marriott Hotel