THE Forest of Bowland area of natural beauty has won a highly-commended green tourism destination award.

The prize was presented in Bristol as part of Green Tourism Week.

Andrea Nicholas, director of the Green Tourism Business Scheme, said: “We introduced the Green Tourism Destination Award this year as we find the support and commitment of the destination organisations so important for encouraging businesses and promoting green tourism to their visitors.

“We wanted to be able to highlight some of the excellent activities and projects that have been rolled out in these destinations.”

Hetty Byrne, sustainable tourism officer for the area of natural beauty, said: “We are delighted to receive this national accolade as it has put Bowland on the map as one of the UK’s greenest destinations.

“There was strong competition from some fantastic destinations and protected landscapes across the country, so our collective efforts and dedication from the businesses has really paid off.”