A HOLIDAY cottage development near Pickering - which is complete with a swimming pool, sauna and table tennis barn - has been nominated for a top prize in the Rural Business Awards for the second year running.

Beech Farm Cottages, a luxury development of eight holiday cottages in the village of Wrelton, is in the running to be named the best tourism business in the North at the prestigious awards.

The business has been operating since the 1990s but current owners Graham and Kirsty Kirk bought Beech Farm in July 2017 and said that they have since embarked on “an extensive investment programme”, revamping the cottages and adding to the facilities.

The complex has eight cottages sleeping between two and 10 guests each and now includes an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, playground and table tennis barn.

The couple said the upgrades have led to two consecutive TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence, improved occupancy levels and now two thirds of guests are either repeat visitors or have been recommended by friends and family to Beech Farm.

Owner Graham Kirk said: “We’re pretty proud of what we’ve achieved in the two years since we took over Beech Farm.

“The nominations reflects the hard work that staff have put in but also the guests who have been kind enough to leave reviews that have been very positive. We’re just incredibly proud really.”

Beech Farm is not the only local finalist in the RBAs. The Balance Rooms - a Pickering yoga and wellness centre - are up for the Best Rural Recreational or Outdoor Pursuits Business category.

The RBAs were established in late 2014 by Jemma Clifford and Anna Price, two business owners from Leicestershire.

Now entering their fifth year, the RBAs aim to give recognition to businesses operating right across the rural sector and celebrate the achievements of businesses across rural sectors.

The regional awards presentation will take place at a ceremony in Newcastle on October 11.