AN Ilkley business which was forced to re-invent itself after the foot and mouth disease outbreak has won a prestigious tourist award.

Husband and wife team Tim Edwards and Paula Hunt considered selling up because the restrictions on movement on Ilkley Moor meant their conference, training and team-building centre at Westwood Lodge, lost all its customers almost overnight in 2001.

The couple had only taken over the former Bradford Council building three years previously. Mr Edwards said: "When foot and mouth eventually went, so did most of our customers."

But instead of selling up, they borrowed the funds to transform Westwood Lodge into much needed self-catering accommodation and have made a major success of the business.

At the National Railway Museum in York on Tuesday night, Westwood Lodge was the joint winner of the Yorkshire Tourist Board's White Rose Award for the Best Newcomer to Tourism. The other winner was Lockton Youth Hostel.

Yesterday Mr Edwards, 46, said he was delighted to win the award and enjoyed taking his team of staff to the ceremony so they could share in the celebration.

"It was a team effort and it just shows that there is life after foot and mouth disease.

"We have shown that there is a future for tourism in Ilkley. It was great to have our efforts recognised by the Yorkshire Tourist Board."

Westwood Lodge, which comprises a listed Victorian building and four surrounding cottages on Westwood Drive, Ilkley, won its second consecutive best commercial premises prize at this year's Ilkley in Bloom, and Mr Edwards said this sort of attention to detail had fuelled their success. There is a staff of between five and six part-time workers.

He said: "It comes down to quality - recognising that people in self-catering are not prepared to put up with second rate. They want the same creature comforts they have at home."

The couple live at Westwood Lodge with their two daughters and Mr Edwards said he thought the family atmosphere appealed to visitors: "It's more than just a business to us. Several of our guests now come regularly - nearly half are either repeat bookings or direct recommendations."

Another Ilkley business was also nominated in the short-list for the award. The bed and breakfast Wharfedale Grange Farmhouse in Ben Rhydding was one of only five business to make it through to the final.

Sandrine Pickard opened the business at her home on Ben Rhydding Drive last Easter and was delighted to see Wharfedale Grange endorsed.

She said: "It is a nice recognition. I give a lot of attention to the service."

As a Frenchwoman, she said, she combines a French and Yorkshire welcome, and believes her guest house has a lot to offer.

She said: "It's very peaceful and very private: it's away from major roads so it's very safe for children and there is a separate entrance to the bed and breakfast area. There are not many places that offer complete peace and tranquillity."

Since gaining her nomination, Mrs Pickard has received celebrity endorsement, in the shape of television presenter and travel writer Simon Calder.

She explained: "He was at a local wedding and he came to stay with his family. We didn't know he was coming until he got here because they booked under his wife's name. He left a lovely message in the guest book."

Mrs Pickard has found the internet to be vital for promoting her business. She said: "Our website attracts about half of our clients. I hope to add to it showing what there is to do in Ilkley and giving an idea of what's on offer."

David Andrews, chief executive of the Yorkshire Tourist Board, said: "These awards are the physical recognition of our region's commitment to quality."

He added: "To become a finalist in the White Rose Awards is an achievement in itself."