AN adventure centre has reached new heights with its latest award.

For the second year in a row, Newlands Adventure Centre and Keswick Climbing Wall won top honours in the Rural Business Awards National Final.

The centre won the award for Best Rural Recreational or Outdoor Pursuits Business in the 2020/21 final on February 25.

Because of lockdown, the awards were held online for the first time and were hosted by BBC Escape to the Country presenter Jules Hudson.

“After the difficult year we have all had, this award is a great way to remember exactly why we are here and of the value of what we do,” said Newlands Adventure Centre & Keswick Climbing Wall director, Debbie Beament.

“A huge thank you goes to Amazon and the Rural Business Awards for recognising Newlands Adventure Centre & Keswick Climbing Wall as Best Rural Recreational or Outdoor Pursuits Business again.

“We are passionate about the British countryside and are so thankful to be able to share the beautiful natural resource that our business is built on with others.

“This award is a team award and without our fantastic staff who always go that extra mile, we would not be so successful.”

The past year has been particularly difficult for the outdoor persists industry, with many centres who rely on school visits being starved of an income due to the national lockdown.

Many businesses in Cumbria are cautiously optimistic about the Government’s proposed roadmap out of lockdown, which is heavily dependant on the future rate of infection and the impact of easing restrictions.

However, after winning their award last Thursday, Newlands Adventure Centre said it is confident of landing on its feet again once restrictions lift.

Ms Beament added: “We will hit the ground running when we reopen on March 29 and can’t wait to get adventuring again.”

The Rural Business Awards aim to recognise and celebrate the successes of businesses operating in the UK’s rural economy.

The awards were judged by an independent panel.