Cumbrian holiday-home operators have won a national award based on guest feedback.

Tina and Steven Epps, owners of Byre Cottage in Garrigill, won the Sykes Stars Programme, by Sykes Holiday Cottages.

Both keen fell walkers, the couple retired in Cumbria in 2015, and with a one-bed holiday home next door, they decided to let it.

They were one of only 32 sets of holiday let owners to be awarded a Sykes Star after ‘going above and beyond to provide exceptional service to their guests’, Sykes said.

Mr Epps said: “The recognition means so much to us as we always put our all into making sure our guests have a wonderful stay.