A self-catering holiday complex based on a farm in Suffolk has been named among the finalists in the 2018 VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.

The Suffolk Escape, at Hintlesham, between Hadleigh and Ipswich, was launched by Andrew Bryce and his wife Sarah six years ago.

It consists of four log cabins set around a lake and the Sheepyard Barn, a conversion which sleeps up to 12 people, all with private hot tubs and wood burning stoves.

The barn also features an indoor swimming pool, wood fired pizza oven, outdoor lounge and hammocks, a separate children’s playroom/TV room and home cinema system.

It has now been named a one of three finalists in the Self Catering Holiday Provider of the Year category of VisitEngland’s annual awards, in which it is up against rivals from Devon and Kent.

Mr Bryce said: “We are ecstatic at the news that we have been announced as a finalist for this prestigious award. There has been a huge effort by an incredible team in creating and running the Sheepyard Barn.

“We strive to ensure every single guest feels like they are the first person to experience the barn. There is some amazing competition and we are honoured to be even mentioned alongside them. We are hugely proud and are thoroughly looking forward to the awards ceremony in April.”

VisitEngland chief executive Sally Balcombe said: “These awards are a celebration of our thriving tourism industry. They highlight the people and the organisations that deliver amazing experiences for visitors, raising the profile of England as a world-class destination.

“The finalists have shown themselves to be of the highest calibre, using their talent and innovation to deliver excellence.”

Simon Law from cottages.com, which is sponsoring the self-catering category, added: “We would like to share our huge congratulations with The Suffolk Escape for becoming a finalist in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence today.

“This achievement is testament to the quality of experience and accommodation being provided by The Suffolk Escape as being among the best in the industry.”

The winners of this year’s VisitEngland Awards for Excellence will be announced at ceremony to be held at the Assembly Rooms in Bath on Monday, April 23.