CRAVEN'S hotels and holiday cottages have been acclaimed in the Yorkshire Tourist Board awards.

Coniston Hall Hotel at Coniston Cold and the Devonshire Arms at Bolton Abbey were finalists in the Hotel of the Year category.

And Brentwood Farm Cottages and Riverside Cottage, both in Burton-in-Lonsdale, were short-listed in the categories for best newcomer to tourism and self-catering holiday of the year respectively.

As the tourism industry fights back after last year's foot and mouth crisis, the awards recognise the hard work hoteliers and landlords have put into boosting their businesses.

Michael Bannister of Coniston Hall said everyone at the hotel was delighted to have been shortlisted.

The hotel, opened just three years ago, is currently seeking planning permission for a conference facility, which would create 15 to 20 more jobs.

Stuart Proctor, general manager of the Devonshire Arms said: "I am delighted we were named as one of the top hotels in the county. We have a very enthusiastic team whose commitment and professionalism is exceptional."

Anita Taylor opened Brentwood Farm Cottages just as the foot and mouth crisis blitzed tourism in the area.

Her husband, George, has lived on the farm, which has 70 milk cows, for 40 years. They decided to diversify, opening two holiday cottages at Easter 2001.

Mrs Taylor said: "We couldn't have picked a worse time. We had very few people last year and made a horrendous loss. But this year a lot of people have come back. We promote the peace and tranquillity of the area."

Patricia Leverton, who runs the five star Riverside Cottage, said she was thrilled to bits to be in the final. "Burton-in-Lonsdale is a lovely area and whatever direction you go in there's just lovely scenery," she added.

David Andrews, chief executive of the tourist board, said: "As the industry continues to recover from the multiple blows dealt it by the events of the past year, it is very important to recognise and reward excellence.

"The White Rose Awards encourage the Yorkshire tourism industry to drive up the quality of the tourism product to ensure that the region can effectively compete in this global marketplace."