A HOLIDAY VILLAGE near Cirencester has been awarded top marks by England’s official tourist board.

Hoburne Cotswold in the Cotswold Water Park has received five stars from VisitEngland.

The South Cerney site, which offers caravan and lodge holidays, was graded on characteristics including cleanliness and quality of accommodation and restaurants.

The holiday park - part of Hoburne Holidays - was also graded on friendliness and helpfulness of staff and the standard of on-site facilities.

Parks are assessed over 76 different categories in all and must achieve more than 87 per cent to be awarded the five-star grading by VisitEngland.

Chief executive of Hoburne Group Jim Forward said: “It’s a real coup for the park to be recognised by VisitEngland, which is among the most important names in the tourism business.

“It’s especially pleasing because all its assessors are hospitality trade professionals.

“They really know when a company is going above and beyond to provide the best possible holiday experience for their customers, which is what we always strive to do.

“Obviously, it’s great from a company perspective in that we hope it will give holidaymakers the confidence to spend their precious money and time with us.

“Even more important than that is the recognition it gives for all the people who work here and who put so much effort into making stays at Hoburne parks truly memorable.

“They are the real heroes here, and I can’t thank them enough for making it possible for us to win these fabulous grades.”