A HOLIDAY cottage company headed by York businesswoman Susan Goss-Clements has won an international award.

Yorkshire Coast Cottages beat numerous companies to be named Luxury Accommodation Specialist of the Year 2016 for the UK by the Luxury Travel Guide Global Awards, which attracted a total of more than 55,000 entries.

The judging panel, which included leaders from the hospitality and tourism industry, praised Yorkshire Coastal Cottages for the "impressive volume and range of luxury properties", adding: "what really impressed us was the rigorous procedure behind its quality control, and great attention to detail, upon which the company has built its reputation.

"It was Yorkshire Coastal Cottages' unrivalled service and commitment to excellence that earned them the accolade."

The company represents almost 100 holiday cottages along the coast and specialises in four and five-star properties.

Co-founding partner and York businesswoman Susan Goss-Clements said: "It's a great and impressive affirmation of all our hard work and dedication, as well of course testament to the beautiful properties that we proudly represent.

"It’s a huge honour for us and helps put this wonderful county of ours yet again on the world map."

Yorkshire Coastal Cottages was founded in 2010 and represents cottages located along the Yorkshire coast from Runswick Bay to Bridlington, including Sandsend, Whitby, Scarborough, Filey and neighbouring villages.

Operating out of Whitby and with an office in Wetherby, the company has seen growth year on year since it was established.