THE City of Wells and The Bishop's Palace have both won prestigious awards at the 2019 British Coach Tourism Awards.

The City of Wells was awarded the top prize for Coach Friendly Destination, a reward for two years of partnership working from key players in the city's tourism industry to improve both the facilities available to coach tourism groups and the offer once they arrive.

The Visit Wells and Visit by Coach groups comprise members from Wells Cathedral, The Bishop's Palace, Wells & Mendip Museum, Wells Civic Society, the city council and the chamber of commerce, and has been facilitated by Ian Jefferies, an expert in group and coach tourism.

The Bishop's Palace was awarded Coach Friendly Attraction, in competition with prestigious and well-known visitor attractions such as Blenheim Palace, RHS Wiseley and Rosemoor and Chatsworth.

Andy Webb of Visit Wells said: "Wells has a huge amount to offer visitors and this award recognises the work that has been going on to improve their experience. Working together is the only way to build and sustain our offer as a destination and is at the core of the new Wells Heritage Partnership and our commitment to redesign Visit Wells as a broad partnership reflecting our community and all it has to offer."

Visit by Coach director Ian Jefferies was at the awards ceremony at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham. He said : "The award is great recognition from the industry for the collaborative working within the city over the last three years. This award can only increase our input of coach visits which brings welcome revenue to the city. Wells should be very proud of its achievements."

Lindsay Mann, head of marketing and communications for Wells Cathedral, said: "The Cathedral is delighted to play its part in the Visit by Coach team and this prestigious award is a reflection of the city-wide welcome we provide to the coach industry."

Rosie Martin, chief executive of The Palace Trust, said: "This is a truly fantastic achievement and it speaks volumes for the hard work and dedication of our team in their efforts to appeal to and attract increased business from coach groups wanting to see this wonderful heritage site and gardens."

• Picture: Moira Anderson from The Bishop's Palace and Ian Jefferies of Visit by Coach with the trophies at the awards ceremony