Cob House proprietor, Helen Taylor is thrilled to have been bestowed with the accolade 'The Best Visitor Attraction 2011' particularly as her leisure, wildlife and fisheries centre was launched less than a year ago. 

The Worcestershire Welcome Awards were devised to honour those organisations making an outstanding contribution to the county's tourism business. 

Held at the Three Counties Showground and hosted by Destination Worcestershire the awards offer members of the public an opportunity to vote for their favourite tourist attraction. All the nominations are then appraised by an independent judging panel.

The idea behind Mrs Taylor's enterprise was to create a quality, affordable family day for everyone to enjoy from children, parents and grandparents. Activities and attractions include archery, coarse and game fishing, timber trails, a wildflower meadow and a wildlife pool.

There are all sorts of animals to visit including chickens, ducks, pigs, alpacas and reindeer. It provides an opportunity for children to discover nature and the countryside. The fishery provides full disabled access and has become popular with schools as many of the activities have a strong educational focus.

She said: "Cob House has developed in the way that I had hoped it would and is a credit to all involved with the project as it has evolved into something more than just a great 'day out' for families. It has become the hub of our rural community where cottage industries can showcase and promote their wares. We have held many successful charitable events here for Help for Heroes and Cancer Research for example. It provides an ideal low cost venue for charities that are prohibited by budgetary constraints." 

"Food served in our Mayfly Cafe is sourced locally and we now employ 20 people. Our vision was to create a sustainable business model and that is exactly what we have achieved."

Mrs Taylor feels that Cob House's success could indicate a welcome retrospective trend supporting old fashioned values. Parents and grandparents seem to want more for their families than an expensive day out at somewhere offering 'white knuckle' rides. 

Sharon Gilbert representing the Three Counties Showground was one of the independent judges on the Worcestershire Welcome Awards judging panel and said: "Cob House provides a pleasant, relaxing and fun-filled environment where the simple pleasure of family togetherness can flourish - so rare these days! 

"I was impressed with the whole ethos of the place, the diversity of things to do, and the obvious support for other local businesses and groups. If anyone knows how to foster community relations it's Cob House!  I was also impressed with how much Helen and her team has achieved in such a short space of time, with excellent vision and hard work. They are thoroughly deserving of this prestigious award."