A FORMER manager of Porlock Visitor Centre has been given a prestigious award for her contribution to Exmoor National Park.

Denise Sage has always been known for her can-do attitude and never misses an opportunity to promote Exmoor, and she was presented with an Order of National Parks, a special award given every two years by the UK National Parks, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to National Park purposes.

The presentation took place at the recent Exmoor Tourism Day at The Beach Hotel in Minehead, with hundreds of people attending.

More than 25 stalls showcased their tourism attractions while industry leaders talked about challenges and strategies at the day-long conference.

Among the speakers was Richard Hammond whose agency GreenTraveller has recently taken over the PR and marketing for Visit Exmoor.

Elke Winzer, the new development manager for Exmoor Tourism, said: "We are delighted that so many locals attended this event.

"With dwindling government funding the promotion of Exmoor as a tourist destination depends on all of us working together."

"Every local business, including plumbers, electricians and accountants, depend increasingly on the success of our tourism industry. The more people support Exmoor Tourism as members, the more we can do to promote our region. The overall economic success of the area is down to every single one of us - we can no longer rely on local authorities and government funded bodies to do it all."

Exmoor Tourism is run by and for the industry, with support from West Somerset Council and Exmoor National Park Authority.

For further information about Exmoor Tourism contact Elke Winzer by emailing development@exmoor.com or phoning 07881 504863.